Fee Waiver Advice
Asked by Jimmy Tobias on January 18, 2018.
5 answers from Jack R-W, Jimmy Tobias and jimmie lee staley.
Related requestWithdrawn
Jimmy Tobias sent this request to the University of Maryland College Park of Maryland
Hello,
In November I filed a public records request to get the email records of a professor who works with a variety of conservative groups across the country to rollback environmental laws and regulations. The University responded by telling me the fee to process the request would cost more than $12,000 and denied my request for a fee waiver. I would love any advice you might have about how to pursue this case further and obtain a fee waiver or greatly reduced fees. Please let me know if you get a chance, and thanks.
Jimmy Tobias
It seems like your only option in Maryland is a lawsuit if they do not accept your request to waive fees.
Actually I was wrong, you can complain to the PIA Compliance Board for all requests with an estimated fee of over $350 and they’ll decide whether or not the fees are reasonable.
I have had experience in this. 2 things…first break down the scope say for instance all the emails from jan thru mar. Next find out if the fee is for research time and (ask for a breakdown) or if there is a per page cost. If there is a per page cost, ask for digital copy, negating any page fee.
Good luck!