Bill would rewrite state open records law

Acting on new Attorney General Sam Olens’ legislative agenda, a Georgia lawmaker has introduced an overhaul of the state's sunshine laws.

House Bill 397 would increase the fines for meetings and records violations -- now at $100 and $500, respectively -- to $1,000 per violation and up to $2,500 for each new offense that year.

Keeping a campaign pledge from Olens, the rewrite also would require government officials who close meetings to keep written notes or minutes for a judge to review if questions arise.

The bill, sponsored by Rep. Jay Powell, R-Camilla, also would let agencies ask for advance payments for requests that will cost more than $500 to prepare and would add exemptions to the open records law.

The bill has not been assigned to committee.

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