TUPELO -- But not all comply. Some withhold information outright, Wicker said. Others charge outrageous "processing" fees or claim the data isn't in an inaccessible format. Both, he said, are unlawful.
When those infractions are legally challenged, it's typically the media challenging them, Van Slyke said. Very rarely do people like Kinney take a public official or a public body to court.
And that's a shame, Van Slyke continued, because the only way things will change is if the average citizen gets involved.
"The public seems to be pretty complacent until it impacts that individual," he said. "If something happens in that individual's neighborhood and he wants to go to a meeting and he can't, then he becomes very concerned about the law."
Van Slyke urges citizens to lobby their legislators for change and asked the media to step up its own fight. Only with grass-roots pressure, he said, will lawmakers strengthen the laws and bolster enforcement.
MISSISSIPPI
Fine: Up to $100; seldom imposed.
Other penalties: None.
ALABAMA
Fine: None (fine was repealed in 1980).
Other penalties: None.
ARKANSAS
Fine: Up to $100.
Other penalties: Misdemeanor criminal violation; up to 30 days in jail.
CALIFORNIA
Fine: None in main records law, but some other statutes can apply. For instance, post-secondary educational institutions failing to disclose records of certain crimes face up to $1,000.
Other penalties: None.
COLORADO
Fine: Up to $100.
Other penalties: Up to 90 days in jail.
CONNECTICUT
Fine: Not specified.
Other penalties: Various court remedies.
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
Fine: Up to $100; individual employees responsible for compliance.
Other penalties: Misdemeanor criminal violation; jail time not addressed.
FLORIDA
Fine: Any public officer violating can be fined up to $500, or up to $1,000 for "willing and knowing" infraction.
Other penalties: Punishable as first-degree misdemeanor by up to one year imprisonment.
GEORGIA
Fine: Up to $100.
Other penalties: Misdemeanor conviction; elected officials also subject to recall for violation of Open Records Act.
HAWAII
Fine: Office of Information Practice can recommend appropriate penalties; other statutes governing particular records impose various fines.
Other penalties: Court precedent to award attorney fees to complainant.
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