<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".07" citation="COMAR 22.01.02.07" title_num="22" subtitle_num="01" chapter_num="02" heading="Format of Public Records.">
  <paragraph num="A.">
    <text>Except as otherwise provided in this section, if an applicant who is authorized to inspect a public record requests a copy, printout, or photograph of the public record, the Agency custodian shall provide the applicant with:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>A copy, printout, or photograph of the public record; or</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>If the custodian does not have facilities to reproduce the public record, access to the public record to make the copy, printout, or photograph.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B.">
    <text>The Agency custodian shall provide an applicant with a copy of the public record in a searchable and analyzable electronic format if:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>The public record already exists in a searchable and analyzable electronic format;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>The applicant requests a copy of the public record in a searchable and analyzable electronic format; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>The custodian can provide a copy of the public record, in whole or in part, in a searchable and analyzable electronic format that does not disclose confidential or protected information for which the custodian must or may deny inspection in accordance with the Act or this regulation.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="C.">
    <text>The Agency custodian may have metadata removed from an electronic document before providing the electronic document to an applicant by:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Using a software program or function; or</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Converting the electronic document into a different searchable and analyzable format.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="D.">
    <text>This regulation may not be construed to:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Require the custodian to reconstruct a public record in an electronic format if the custodian no longer has the public record available in an electronic format;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Allow a custodian to make a public record available only in an electronic format;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>Require a custodian to create, compile, or program a new public record; or</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>Require a custodian to release an electronic record in a format that would jeopardize or compromise the security or integrity of the original record or of any proprietary software in which the record is maintained.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="E.">
    <text>If a public record exists in a searchable and analyzable electronic format, the act of a custodian providing a portion of the public record in a searchable and analyzable electronic format does not constitute creating a new public record.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="F.">
    <text>The copy, printout, or photograph shall be made:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>While the public record is in the custody of the custodian;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Whenever practicable, where the public record is kept; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>Within any reasonable time schedule that the Agency custodian may choose to set.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
</regulation>