<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".06" citation="COMAR 22.01.02.06" title_num="22" subtitle_num="01" chapter_num="02" heading="Response Denying All or Part of Applicant’s Request.">
  <paragraph num="A.">
    <text>If the Agency custodian determines that a requested record no longer exists, then the Agency shall notify the applicant of that determination:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Immediately, if the custodian reached that determination on initial review of the application; or</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Promptly after completing a search for potentially responsive public records and not more than 30 days after receiving the application.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B.">
    <text>If the Agency custodian decides to deny all or part of an applicant’s request on any basis other than the requested public record’s non-existence, the custodian shall within 10 working days give the applicant a written statement that provides:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>The reasons, including the legal authority, for the denial;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>For applications denied as contrary to the public interest under General Provisions Article, §4-343, Annotated Code of Maryland:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>A brief explanation of why the denial is necessary; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>An explanation of why redacting information would not address the reasons for the denial;</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>For applications denied as misdirected to an individual who is not the custodian:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>The name of the public record’s custodian, if known; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>The public record’s actual or possible location, if known;</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>A brief description of any undisclosed public record or category of public records that will not disclose the protected information but will enable the applicant to assess the applicability of the legal authority for the denial; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(5)">
      <text>Notice of the remedies under the Act for review of the denial.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="C.">
    <text>If the Agency custodian denies an applicant’s request in part, the custodian shall allow inspection of any part of the record that is subject to inspection.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="D.">
    <text>Any time limit imposed under this regulation:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>May be extended by not more than 30 days with the consent of the applicant; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Shall be extended pending resolution of any dispute that the applicant has referred to the Public Access Ombudsman.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="E.">
    <text>A custodian may not ignore an application to inspect public records on the ground that the application was intended for purposes of harassment.</text>
  </paragraph>
</regulation>