Md. Code Regs. 14.21.02.08

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 21, October 18, 2024

Section 14.21.02.08 - Fees

A. The Authority may charge reasonable fees as determined from time to time. As of July 1, 1991 fees to be charged under this chapter are in accordance with the following fee schedule:

(1) Copies. The fee for each copy is 15 cents per page when reproduction can be made by a photocopying machine within the Authority. When records are not amenable to photocopying (for example, punch cards, magnetic tapes, large documents, and microfilm), the fee for reproducing the record may be based on the actual cost of reproduction.

(2) Certification of Copies. When a person requests that a copy of a record be certified as a true copy of the original public record, an additional cost of $1 per page shall be charged.

(3) Searching or Record Preparation. There will be a $10 per hour charge for every hour or part of it over 2 hours needed to search for and prepare a public record.

(4) Exception to Fee. A charge may not be made when the amount of the fee is $10 or less.

B. Notwithstanding §A of this regulation, if any fees for copies, printouts, photographs, or certified copies of any record are specifically prescribed by law other than the Public Information Act or this regulation the specific fee contained in that law shall determine the amount charged for that record.

C. If the custodian is unable to copy a record within the Authority, the custodian shall make arrangements for the reproduction of the record at public or private facilities outside the Authority. The custodian shall either collect from the applicant a fee which is sufficient to pay the actual cost of reproduction or direct the applicant to pay the cost of reproduction directly to the facility making the copy.

D. Before copying a record, the custodian shall estimate the cost of copying and obtain the agreement of the applicant that the cost shall be paid. The custodian may demand prepayment of any estimated fee before copying a record. If prepayment is required, the time limitations contained elsewhere in these regulations may not commence until the payment is made.

E. Upon request the custodian may waive or reduce any fee charged under this regulation if:

(1) The applicant asks for a waiver; and

(2) After consideration of the ability of the applicant to pay the fee and other relevant factors, the custodian determines that the waiver will be in the public interest.

F. If the applicant requests that copies be mailed or delivered to the applicant, the custodian may charge the applicant for the cost of postage or delivery to the applicant.

Md. Code Regs. 14.21.02.08