From the Raleigh News and Observer (7/14/09): The state House approved a measure that would make it more likely governments that lose public records lawsuits would have to pay attorneys' fees for the people who sued seeking documents. The aim is to make it easier for citizens to obtain public records.
The proposal also sets up an open government unit in the Attorney General’s Office that would mediate public records disputes before they got to court.
“Lawsuits would be a matter of last resort,” said John Bussian, a lobbyist for the N.C. Press Association.
The House passed the bill 107 to 5 on Monday and sent it to the Senate.
The Senate has approved similar versions of the bill in past years.
Public records lawsuits can cost tens of thousands of dollars, making it difficult for people to take on government.
Governments wouldn’t have to pay if they lose in court, as long as they based their decisions to deny records on court orders, published appeals, court opinions, or decisions or letters from the attorney general.
by Lynn Bonner, News & Observer Staff Writer