People understand that. Then the state turns around and takes that information and sells it to somebody else. But some worry that in the zeal to protect peoples' privacy, the open records laws could get trampled. Kirtley also wondered about attempts to keep records open to the press, but prohibit them from companies who plan to make a profit off such information. She said she feared that the government would be the arbitrary gatekeeper for such information, playing kingmaker at any whim.
Demand varies for the information that state agencies sell.
Real estate schools could use that to contact agents for continuing education courses, he said. SLED Chief Robert Stewart said the funds help pay for costs at the public information office but also help out with other programs. Stewart noted that his department will try to cut down on the cost by offering the information on the Web - probably requiring a credit card to access it. But later this year, anyone with Internet access can find out where a convicted sexual predator lives in South Carolina as well as his or her mug shot on SLED's home page, Stewart said.sprinkling of state agencies provides various open records on the Internet. DPS primarily sells its information on driving records and tickets to insurance companies, said Sherri Iacobelli, spokeswoman.