NC Bill Would Allow Judges to Award Attorney Fees in Public Records Cases

Four state House members have introduced a bill which would require judges to award attorneys fees to plaintiffs who prevail in many public records cases.

The bill, sponsored by Reps. Deborah Ross, D-Wake, William Wainwright, D-Craven, Winkie Wilkins, D-Person, and Margaret Dickson, D-Cumberland, would also set up an open government unit within the attorney general's office to educate the public and government agencies of their rights and responsibilities under the state's public records and open meetings laws.

In some respects, the bill is similar to others that have been introduced in the House this year and one that was introduced by Sen. David Hoyle, D-Gaston, during the last session of the General Assembly.

It differs, however, in that it would carve out specific exceptions under which a judge would not award attorneys fees.

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