Baker to Sign a Bill Overhauling State’s Public Records Law

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Gov. Charlie Baker

BOSTON (AP) — Gov. Charlie Baker is set to sign a bill aimed at overhauling the state’s public records law.

The bill would require public records requests to be completed in 10 days.

If an agency or municipality can’t comply, the person in charge of producing the records must explain the reasons for the delay. A one-time extension could be granted.

The bill also would limit how much an agency or municipality could charge to provide the records.

The bill was passed unanimously last week by the Massachusetts House and Senate.

Baker plans to sign the bill in his Statehouse office at noon Friday.

Open records advocates say the bill is long overdue.

City and town officials have said they are concerned the bill would put too heavy a burden on municipalities.