One New York City department refused to provide a copy of a computer tape to a publisher. Raw data may be useful if the news organization has the computer know-how to make its own databases. The National League of Cities resolved in December 1993 that cities and towns should set higher fees for electronically stored public information to offset and recoup the costs of developing better computer systems. Since that time, many states have enacted laws or administrative regulations outlining fee structures for access to electronic records. However, what fees agencies believe are reasonable and what may be considered an actual cost varies widely among the states.
Many officials try to recoup more than costs.
These agencies try to use electronic records to generate revenue for the government's coffers. Members of the public point out that they already paid for electronic information systems through their taxes. There have been disputes over whether requesters may obtain copies of specific software to read coded electronic records. Many states now address this issue in their statutes. Copyright issues arise when requesters seek some types of commercially produced software.