Title: Understanding the Maryland Public Records Request — Open Public Records ActOPERARA) Introduction: The Maryland Public Records Request, enforced through the Open Public Records Act (OPERA), grants individuals access to government records held by public agencies. This article aims to provide a detailed description of the act, its purpose, and the process for requesting public records in Maryland. We will also explore different types of Maryland Public Records Requests based on specific scenarios. 1. What is the Maryland Public Records Request — Open Public Records ActOPERARA)? The Open Public Records Act, often referred to as OPERA, is a state law in Maryland that promotes transparency and accountability. It allows any individual to request and obtain access to records maintained by governmental bodies within the state. 2. Purpose and Benefits of the Maryland OPERA: The primary goal of OPERA is to ensure government transparency and accountability. By allowing the public access to various records, this act serves as a tool for monitoring public officials, examining decisions and policies, and empowering citizens to participate more fully in the democratic process. 3. Process for Making a Maryland Public Records Request: To request public records in Maryland, individuals should follow these steps: a. Identify the agency: Determine which governmental agency holds the records you seek. b. Create a written request: Submit a formal written request stating the specific documents or information you are seeking. c. Addressing the request: Submit the request to the agency's designated custodian of records. Include your name, contact information, and a description of the requested records. d. Response time and fees: The agency must respond within a specific timeframe and may charge a reasonable fee for searching, copying, or transmitting the requested records. 4. Different Types of Maryland Public Records Requests: Several categories of public records requests exist in Maryland, including but not limited to: a. Legal Records Request: These requests pertain to legal documents like court records, case filings, judgments, and other legal proceedings. b. Property Records Request: This type of request focuses on property-related information, such as ownership deeds, assessments, tax records, and zoning information. c. Police Records Request: Deals with records related to law enforcement activities, including incident reports, arrest records, 911 calls, and police body camera footage. d. Government Contracts Request: These requests involve procurement contracts, bidding records, and information about government expenditures. e. Vital Records Request: Pertaining to vital documents such as birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce records. Conclusion: The Maryland Public Records Request, operating under the Open Public Records Act (OPERA), serves as an avenue for the public to obtain government records. By understanding the process and different types of requests available, individuals can exercise their right to access information and hold public officials accountable.
Maryland Public Records Request - Open Public Records Act
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How to fill out Public Records Request - Open Public Records Act?
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Maryland's Public Information Act (?PIA?) gives the public the right to access government records without unnecessary cost and delay. The PIA applies to all three branches of Maryland state government as well as local government entities.
The PIA covers public agencies and officials in Maryland and includes all branches of state government (legislative, judicial, and executive). The PIA is similar in purpose to the federal Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).
The PIA covers public agencies and officials in Maryland and includes all branches of state government (legislative, judicial, and executive).
To submit a request for records solely to HCPD, either email therecordssection@howardcountymd.gov or mail the request to: Howard County Police Department, Attn: Records Section, 3410 Court House Drive, Ellicott City, MD 21043. Additional contact information for HCPD can be found online or by calling 410-313-2250.
FOIA Exemptions. The exemptions protect against the disclosure of information that would harm: national security, the privacy of individuals, the proprietary interests of business, the functioning of the government, and other important recognized interests.
Exemption Two: Internal agency personnel rules and practices. Exemption Three: Information that is prohibited from disclosure by another federal law. Exemption Four: Trade secrets and commercial or financial information obtained from a person that is privileged or confidential.
Maryland's Public Information Act (PIA) grants the people of this State a broad right of access to public records while protecting legitimate governmental interests and the privacy rights of individual citizens. Requests for public records always begin with a government agency (State, county, or municipal).
The department has 30 days to either grant or deny the request. Exempt: Information that invades individual privacy; trade secrets; public policy development memos; and investigative materials. Visit, Maryland Sample FOIA Request, to view a sample FOIA request for the state.