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Hearings Gauge Opinion On Proposed Fees To View Public Records

ExeterAnna/Flickr, via Creative Commons

If you’ve never had to dig for public records, you might be surprised to know they’re not as public as you think. Obtaining copies of those records can rack up some hefty fees. Now, state officials are considering adding more fees, applying even when all you do is look at the documents yourself.

Advocates for open government aren't pleased about the proposal. They're concerned that higher or new fees will erect a bulkhead between public records and the public itself. This week, a series of hearings will gather opinion on the possible fee changes.

Deborah Fisher, executive director of the Tennessee Coalition for Open Government, spoke with WUOT All Things Considered host Brandon Hollingworth about the proposed changes, and the public hearings.