The bill allows both state investigators and civil plaintiffs to recover legal costs. Last summer, Associated Press member newspapers published a test of the state Freedom of Information law. More than 25 percent of the requests were denied, even when local officials were given time to seek legal advice or compile records. In September, Attorney General Jim Ryan pledged to seek revisions. The news media is third in percentage of inquiries, behind government officials.
New legislation allows court costs to be awarded in successful suits.