01/08/16 – By Noah Pransky
One little word could make a world of difference for government transparency in Florida.
A recently-filed bill by a Sarasota Republican has open-government watchdogs concerned legislators are trying to further erode citizens’ only avenue to forcing hesitant public officials to turn over public records.
The bill (HB 1021 and SB 1220), filed by Rep. Greg Steube, aims to give judges discretion in awarding attorney’s fees in public records lawsuits where public officials fail to turn over records in a timely manner. [Read More]