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.

About the Author

April Hunt

Early voting underway in runoff for Gwinnett House seat

Both Democrats, Akbar Ali and Marqus Cole are competing to replace former state Rep. Shelly Hutchinson.

1h ago

Who will replace Marjorie Taylor Greene in Congress?

Now that U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene has announced her plans to resign, attention turns to who might replace her in Georgia's 14th Congressional District.

2h ago

OPINION