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2003 SESSION

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HB 1727 Protection of certain records in the possession of building officials.

Introduced by: Beverly J. Sherwood | all patrons    ...    notes | add to my profiles

SUMMARY AS PASSED: (all summaries)

Protection of certain records in the possession of building officials. Expands the current exemption under the Freedom of Information Act relating to building permit records to include critical structural components, security systems, telecommunications equipment, etc., submitted for the purpose of complying with the Uniform Statewide Building Code or the Statewide Fire Prevention Code, the disclosure of which would jeopardize the safety or security of any public or private commercial, multi-family residential or retail building or its occupants in the event of terrorism or other threat to public safety. The bill requires the owner or lessee to invoke these protections in writing, identify the drawings, plans, or other materials to be protected; and state the reasons why protection is necessary. The bill provides that nothing shall prevent disclosure of information relating to any building in connection with an inquiry into the performance of that building after it has been subjected to fire, explosion, natural disaster or other catastrophic event. The bill also requires building officials to institute procedures to ensure these sensitive records are securely stored, handled, and released in accordance with law.


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