Nearly a dozen states have recently passed or discussed laws that would allow them to take these requesters to court if they deem the requests disruptive, vexatious, malicious or overly broad.
Tennessee allows agencies to seek an injunction if they think someone is submitting a request meant to disrupt government operations. The injunction option was scheduled to sunset last year but the legislature extended it.
Iowa passed a similar bill, allowing for injunctions against individuals who filed “vexatious requests,” which would be defined as “would clearly not be in the public interest.” And Maine followed suit, allowing agencies more time to file for an “action of protection” against requesters. The move was recommended by its Right to Know Committee earlier this year.
Comments
No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here