This week on FOIA News, we delve into the ongoing policy battles across several states driven by resource pressure and cost recovery. New federal data highlights a stark contrast in FOIA performance between the Department of Education and the SEC, with the latter showing significantly better efficiency in handling requests.

In New Hampshire, legislators have paused a body camera bill to address unresolved issues around access, evidence integrity, and funding, opting for an interim study to ensure comprehensive stakeholder input.

In Nevada, Carson City's proposal to impose new fees on public records requests has sparked legal challenges, with transparency advocates arguing it violates state law. The Nevada Press Association warns of inevitable litigation if the fees are adopted.

Meanwhile, Vermont's Montpelier City Council is considering new strategies to manage the high volume of public records requests, including potential state legislation to authorize charges for staff time. The Vermont Journalism Coalition opposes these measures, emphasizing the importance of timely access to public records for transparency.

📚 Sources:

• https://www.foiaadvisor.com/foia-blog/2026/2/12/foia-news-more-annual-reports
• https://citizenportal.ai/articles/7417898/New-Hampshire/Panel-approves-interim-study-on-police-body-camera-policy?source=bluesky&loc=NH
• https://www.carsonnow.org/02/18/2026/government-transparency-watchdogs-say-carson-city-proposed-fees-will-be-litigated-its-just-a-matter-of-when
• https://thebridgevt.org/2026/02/one-persons-public-records-requests-cost-city-hall-hundreds-of-hours/