2890

LAWS OF MARYLAND

Ch. 1006

such records are in his actual personal custody and control.

[(f) The term "custodian"] (G) "CUSTODIAN" means and
includes the official custodian or any authorized person
having personal custody and control of the public records in
question,

[(g) The term "person"] (H) "PERSON" means and
includes any natural person, corporation, partnership, firm
[or], association, OR GOVERNMENTAL AGENCY.

[(h) The term "person] (I) "PERSON in interest" means
and includes the person who is the subject of a record or
any representative designated by said person, except that if
the subject of the record is under legal disability, the
term "person in interest" shall mean and include the parent
or duly appointed legal representative.

1A.

THE STATE, COUNTIES, MUNICIPALITIES, AND POLITICAL
SUBDIVISIONS, OR ANY AGENCIES THEREOF, SHALL SHOULD MAY
MAINTAIN ONLY SUCH INFORMATION ABOUT A PERSON AS IS RELEVANT
AND NECESSARY TO ACCOMPLISH A PURPOSE OF THE GOVERNMENTAL
ENTITY OR AGENCY WHICH IS AUTHORIZED OR REQUIRED TO BE
ACCOMPLISHED BY STATUTE, EXECUTIVE ORDER OF THE GOVERNOR OR
THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF A LOCAL JURISDICTION, JUDICIAL RULE,
OR OTHER LEGISLATIVE MANDATE. MOREOVER, ALL PERSONS ARE
ENTITLED TO INFORMATICS REGARDING THE AFFAIRS OF GOVERNMENT
AND THE OFFICIAL ACTS OF THOSE WHO REPRESENT THEM AS PUBLIC
OFFICIALS AND EMPLOYEES. TO THIS END, THE PROVISIONS OF
THIS ACT SHALL BE CONSTRUED IN EVERY INSTANCE WITH THE VIEW
TOWARD PUBLIC ACCESS, UNLESS AN UNWARRANTED INVASION OF THE
PRIVACY OF A PERSON IN INTEREST WOULD RESULT THEREFROM, AND
THE MINIMIZATION OF COSTS AND TIME DELAYS TO PERSONS
REQUESTING INFORMATION.

2.

(a)    All public records shall be open for inspection
by any person at reasonable times, except as provided in
this article or as otherwise provided by law[ , but the],
THE official custodian of any public [records may] RECORD
SHALL make AND PUBLISH such rules and regulations with
reference to the TIMELY inspection AND PRODUCTION of such
[records] RECORD as shall be reasonably necessary for the
protection of such [records] RECORD and the prevention of
unnecessary interference with the regular discharge of the
duties of the custodian or his office.

(b)    If the public records requested are not in the
custody or control of the person to whom WRITTEN application
is made, such person shall, [forthwith] WITHIN TEN WORKING
DAYS OF THE RECEIPT OF THE REQUEST, notify the applicant of
this fact AND IF KNOWN, THE CUSTODIAN OF THE RECORD AND THE
LOCATION OR POSSIBLE LOCATION THEREOF.

(c)    If the public records requested are in the