Welcome to MuckRock's Maryland Public Information Act appeal guide!
Each entry provides background and context about an exemption to the public records laws in all fifty states, as well as federal FOIA. Read more about Maryland's public records law or explore all our expert FOIA guides. Have a public records appeal or information on an exemption we should include? Consider sharing your knowledge with everyone by donating your FOIA appeal language.
Constructive Denial
This guide is for informational purposes only, is general in nature, and is not legal opinion nor legal advice regarding any specific issue or factual circumstance.
There is no legal basis for an agency being completely unresponsive.
Example Appeals
Maryland Public Information Act Md. Ann. Code art. GP, § 4-202 (d) (2) specifically requires that an agency provide a response to a public records request within thirty business days of receipt of that request.
By failing to respond to this request within the legally-mandated timeframe, this agency is in violation of the law.
Please provide acknowledgement of this request and the responsive materials forthwith. If such materials cannot be produced, please provide an appropriate explanation for this rejection, as is dictated by this agency's legal obligations under the Maryland Public Information Act. Your accelerated attention to this matter will be greatly appreciated.
Proper Use
An agency has 30 business days to respond to the initial request.
Improper Use
According to the Maryland Public Information Act “An agency is normally expected to comply with a PIA request within 30 days, but there may be instances where an agency needs additional time to locate and review the requested records.”