101fc

    On the printed bill, delete everything after the enacting clause and insert:

    "    Section 1. That chapter 1-27 be amended by adding thereto a NEW SECTION to read as follows:

    If the office of hearing examiners enters a decision pursuant to § 1-27-40 concluding that certain records shall be released or that the fee charged pursuant to §§ 1-27-35 and 1-27-36 was excessive, the public entity has thirty days after the opinion is issued to comply with the order or to file an appeal pursuant to § 1-27-41.

    Section 2. That chapter 1-27 be amended by adding thereto a NEW SECTION to read as follows:

    In a civil action filed pursuant to § 1-27-38 or upon an appeal filed pursuant to § 1-27-41, if the court determines that the public entity acted unreasonably and in bad faith the court may award costs, disbursements, and a civil penalty not to exceed fifty dollars for each day that the record or records were delayed through the fault of the public entity. Any civil penalty collected pursuant to this section shall be deposited into the state general fund."