Bill aims to streamline access to public records, but opponents worry about cost

By: Keila Szpaller, Daily Montanan, January 13, 2025 

A bill to streamline the way state agencies respond to public records requests will more effectively administer the right to know, protected in the state Constitution, said the sponsor. 

But a couple of opponents said it raises concerns about costs, and, therefore, accessibility to records. 

House Bill 100, sponsored by Rep. Bill Mercer, R-Billings, is a progression of a couple of other bills from 2023, Mercer told a House committee on Friday. 

Mercer said one bill addressing public records in 2023 focused only on cabinet level agencies, and HB 100 would cover other parts of state government. He said it would ensure requests are fulfilled in a timely fashion and standardize the process along with costs.