Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 19, September 20, 2024
A. Fee Schedule for
Certifying and Copying a Record.
(1)
Photocopies. The charge for each copy of a document is 25 cents per page if the
reproduction is made on a photocopying machine within the Authority's offices.
If the public records are not susceptible to photocopying, for example, punch
cards, magnetic tapes, drawings, maps, blueprints, microfilm, slides, or
photographs, the fee for the copies is based on the actual cost of
reproduction, as determined by the custodian.
(2) Documents More Than 25 Pages. If the
public record requested to be reproduced is more than 25 pages, the custodian
shall charge a $3.50 per hour photocopying processing fee in addition to the
per page fee.
(3) Certification of
Copies. If an applicant requests that a copy of a public record be certified as
a true copy, the custodian shall charge an additional fee of $1 per
record.
(4) Computer Printouts. If
the Authority is required to provide a computer printout, the charge for the
printout includes:
(a) The computer and
peripheral equipment usage;
(b)
Programming; and
(c) Material
costs.
(5) Search Fees.
(a) Except as provided in §A(5)(b) of
this regulation, the custodian may charge reasonable fees for the search and
preparation of public records for inspection and copying, in addition to the
cost for reproduction.
(b) The
custodian may not charge search or preparation fees for the first 2 hours of
official or employee time that is needed to respond to a request for
information.
B. If the fees for copies, printouts,
photographs, or certified copies of a public record are specifically prescribed
by a law other than State Government Article, §§
10-601 -10-628,
Annotated Code of Maryland, or this chapter, the prescribed fee shall be
charged by the custodian.
C. If the
custodian is unable to copy a public record on a photocopying machine within
the Authority's offices, the custodian shall make arrangements for the prompt
reproduction of the record at public or private facilities outside the
Authority. The custodian shall either collect from the applicant the fee to
cover the actual cost of reproduction, or direct the applicant to pay the cost
of reproduction directly to the facility making the copy.
D. Before reproducing a public record, the
custodian shall estimate the cost of reproduction, including any search fee,
and either:
(1) Obtain the written agreement
of the applicant that the cost shall be paid; or
(2) Request prepayment of the estimated fee
before reproducing the record.
E. If an applicant requests that copies be
mailed or delivered to the applicant, the cost of postage or delivery shall be
charged to the applicant.
