<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".09" citation="COMAR 15.01.04.09" title_num="15" subtitle_num="01" chapter_num="04" heading="Response to Request.">
  <paragraph num="A.">
    <text>Custodian’s Initial Responsibilities.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>If the custodian decides to grant a request for inspection, the custodian shall produce the public record for inspection:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Immediately; or</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Within a reasonable time period, not to exceed 30 days after the date of the request, if that period is needed to retrieve the public record and conduct any necessary review.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>If the custodian reasonably believes that it will take more than 10 working days to produce the record, the custodian shall indicate in writing or by electronic mail within 10 working days after receipt of the request:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>The amount of time that the custodian anticipates it will take to produce the public record;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>An estimate of the range of fees that may be charged to comply with the request for public records; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(c)">
        <text>The reason why it will take more than 10 working days to produce the records.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B.">
    <text>If the custodian decides to deny a request for inspection, the custodian shall:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Deny the request within 30 days after the request; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Immediately notify the applicant of the denial.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="C.">
    <text>If a request is denied, the custodian shall provide the applicant, at the time of the denial or within 10 working days, a written statement that gives:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>The reason for denial, including, for records denied under General Provisions Article, §4-343, Annotated Code of Maryland, a brief explanation of:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Why denial is necessary; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Why the harm from disclosure of the public record would be greater than the public interest in providing access to the information in the public record such that disclosure of the public record would be contrary to the public interest;</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>The legal authority for the denial;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>Without disclosing the protected information, a brief description of the undisclosed records that will enable the applicant to assess the applicability of the legal authority for the denial; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>Notice of the remedies available for review of the denial.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="D.">
    <text>If a requested public record is not in the custody or control of the person to whom application is made, that person shall, within 10 working days after receipt of the request, notify the applicant:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>That the person does not have custody or control of the requested public record; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>If the person knows, of:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>The name of the custodian of the public record; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>The location or possible location of the public record.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="E.">
    <text>Any time limit imposed by §§A—C of this regulation may be extended:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>With the consent of the applicant, for an additional period of up to 30 days; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>For the period of time during which a dispute initiated by the applicant is pending before the Public Access Ombudsman.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
</regulation>