S.D. to fine open records violators.

• Position: OPEN RECORDS - Brief article

State and local agencies that drag their feet in responding to open records requests in South Dakota will now face hefty fines for their inaction.

A law that took effect July 1 allows a $50 a day fine for government entities that delay records requests. The law was added to the state's 2009 open records law.

Individuals who seek government records and are denied access can appeal through the state Office of Hearing Examiners (OHE).

Government entities must comply within 30 days if the OHE rules that the...