FOG’s database bill may be dead for this year, but there are still a number of great open-government bills that the legislature should pass. In fact, two of FOG’s
three policy priorities for 2011 have a fighting chance of final passage:
- Meeting Agendas: HB 147 (Rep. James Smith) This bill would amend the Open Meetings Act to provide agendas to the public 72 hours before a meeting, instead of the current 24 hours. It passed the House unanimously and is awaiting a hearing in Senate Judiciary.
- Electronic Copies: SB 52/ HB 160 (Sen. Steve Fischmann, Rep. Eleanor Chavez) These bills would amend the Inspection of Public Records Act to establish a clear mechanism for providing electronic copies of electronic records, at actual cost. Fischmann’s bill is on the House floor calendar; Chavez’s is awaiting a hearing in Senate Judiciary.
In addition, FOG is supporting two Sunshine Portal expansion bills (SB 327, SB 392), penalties for willful IPRA violators (SB 271) and access to PRC case information (SB 49). All of these have crossed to the opposite chamber and are in committee.