Maryland Public Information Act Requests
How to Request Public Records
Maryland’s Public Information Act, codified at Md. General Provisions Code Ann. §4-101 et seq., (“MPIA”) grants the public access to certain records that are in the possession of the Revenue Authority of Prince George’s County (“RAPGC”) without unnecessary cost and delay. To inspect or obtain copies of a public record, you must submit a written request to the agency’s Custodian of Records, Deputy Director, Samara Gomez.
What are Public Records
A public record is an original or copy of any documentary material in any form created or received by the department in connection with the transaction of public RAPGC business. This includes:
- Computerized records
- Photocopies
- Photographs
- Records
- Tapes
- Written materials
The MPIA provides access to most agency records. Certain records are privileged by law and must be withheld. Examples include, but are not limited to, records containing:
- Attorney/client advice and attorney work product
- Confidential commercial information
- Financial information
- Personnel records
- Trade secrets
There are certain records that may fall within one of the exemptions in Maryland law that allows RAPGC to withhold documents and redact information from documents.
Other records may be withheld. Examples include, but are not limited to, investigatory records and inter- and intra-agency memoranda and letters. If you are denied access to any records, you will be notified as to the specific statutory provisions for each exemption and for challenging the denial procedures.
Access to public records does not include access to information or documents that does not exist. RAPGC is not required to create a document in response to a request. Additionally, pursuant to retention guidelines and schedules, if the document no longer exists/has been destroyed, the Custodian of Records will notify the requestor.
Submitting an MPIA Request
Please comply with the following procedure when requesting public records:
- Online requests should be submitted to the Custodian of Records, Samara Gomez.
- Alternatively, written requests may be mailed to the Revenue Authority of Prince George’s County at 1300 Mercantile Lane # 108, Largo, MD 20774.
- Requests should be as clear and detailed as possible. For example, it should include all applicable dates and/or time frame(s), the subject and/or document names, and specific addresses, when relevant. Staff may contact the requestor for clarity.
- RAPGC will provide copies of documents requested. However, the agency is not obligated to do research or conduct investigations.
- RAPGC will address each request in a timely manner; however, the MPIA allows an agency up to 30 days to respond to an MPIA request.
- If, upon initial evaluation of the request, the Custodian of Records determines that it will require more than ten (10) working days to produce the public record, the Custodian of Records will provide notification in writing or by electronic mail 1) the amount of time it is estimated to take to produce the public record, 2) an estimate of the range of fees that may be charged, and 3) the reason for the delay. If it is anticipated that the charge will be more than $100, the the Custodian of Records will notify the requestor, and the requestor will be required to pay in advance of receipt for the information.
Fees
- The first two hours of search time is free, however, RAPGC may charge a reasonable administrative charge for the additional hours. Staff time may be prorated for each individual employee's salary and actual time attributable to the search for and preparation of the records in question.
- The first 10 document pages provided are free. The additional per-page copy charge is $0.25.
- Payment of fees shall be made by check payable to the "Revenue Authority of Prince George’s County" and must be received before the documents are released.