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COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- A state lawmaker is trying again to strengthen South Carolina's public records laws.

For the second year in a row, Rep. Bill Taylor has proposed a measure that would bar public agencies, governments and school districts from charging excessive fees for public records and require them to respond more quickly.

A similar bill sailed through the state House last session but stalled in the Senate.

Taylor is a former newspaper reporter, TV anchorman and TV news consultant. The Aiken Republican says he's well acquainted with governments' tactics of delay and excessive charges and feels that citizens should have more direct access to public information.

South Carolina Press Association executive director Bill Rogers says the bill would make it easier for people to get public records without needing lawyers.