04 NCAC 24A .0207         PAYMENT REQUIRED BEFORE INFORMATION RELEASE

(a)  Payment shall accompany all requests for release of information. If payment does not accompany a request, or is insufficient to cover all fees, DES shall send an invoice for all fees due to the individual making the request, due immediately upon receipt.

(b)  If the search for requested records exceeds the minimum fee under 04 NCAC 24A .0205, the Chief Counsel or designee shall provide an estimate of DES's cost to produce the information to the individual making the request. Upon consenting to the estimate provided by the Chief Counsel or designee, DES shall send an invoice for the actual cost of producing the requested information to the individual making the request. Payment shall be due immediately, as set forth in Paragraph (a) of this Rule.

(c)  When exigent circumstances require the immediate release of information to local, state, or federal law enforcement officials, DES shall release the information upon receipt of a written assurance demonstrating a guaranty of future payment from the law enforcement official making the request.

History Note:        Authority G.S. 96-4; 20 CFR 603.8;

Eff. July 1, 2015;

Amended Eff. July 1, 2018.