Md. Code Regs. 24.01.01.12

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 22, November 1, 2024

Section 24.01.01.12 - Fees

A. The Department may charge reasonable fees in accordance with the following fee schedule:

(1) Copies. The fee for each copy is 20 cents per page when reproduction can be made by a photocopying machine within the Department. When records are not reasonably amenable to photocopying, the fee for reproducing the record shall 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 is no charge for the first 2 hours needed to search for a public record and prepare it for inspection. The Department may charge $20 per hour for any additional time required to search for or prepare public records for inspection or copying.

(4) A charge may not be made when the amount of the fee is less than $2.

B. Notwithstanding §A of this regulation, if the fees for copies, printouts, photographs, or certified copies of a record are specifically prescribed by a law other than the 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 Department, the custodian shall make arrangements for the prompt reproduction of the record at public or private facilities outside the Department. The custodian shall either collect from the requester a fee which is sufficient to pay the actual cost of reproduction, or direct the requester 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 requester that the cost shall be paid. The custodian may demand prepayment of any estimated fee before copying the record. If prepayment is required, the time limitations contained elsewhere in these regulations may not begin until the payment is made.

E. Upon request, the custodian may waive or reduce a fee charged pursuant to this regulation if the custodian determines that the waiver or reduction is in the public interest. The custodian shall consider, among other relevant factors, the ability of the requester to pay the cost or fee.

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

Md. Code Regs. 24.01.01.12