Allow me to propose a few really simple rules of thumb for public officials: If a citizen asks you for a copy of a public record, hand it over. If you’re tempted not to, know the specific legal exemption from public-records laws. If you’re participating in a meeting about public business, leave the door open. […]
University students, faculty call for veto of anti-Sunshine bill – News4Jax.com
By Matt Galka, Reporter, Capitol News Service TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – This legislative session, Florida lawmakers passed an all-time high number of bills keeping records exempt from the public.One exemption has students and faculty worried that colleges could end up in the pocket of corporations. The bill would exempt university foundation meetings from being open to the public […]
Commentary: 2014 legislative session dim for Florida Sunshine laws – The Palm Beach Post
By Margie Menzel Barbara Petersen is a national expert on open-government issues. She’s been president of the First Amendment Foundation since 1995, when it was started by a group of media organizations and she became its sole employee. The foundation — of which The Palm Beach Post is a member — promotes the public’s constitutional […]