Good news in Ohio and Florida
Ohio lawmakers pass revisions to records law
COLUMBUS -- The first extensive improvement in the state's
open records law in at least 20 years passed its last major hurdle Wednesday
when the Ohio Senate approved House Bill 9.
Sponsored by state Sen. Scott Oelslager, R-North Canton, the bill makes a
number of changes in the public records law, including:
• Required education about the law for public officials;
• Mandated attorney's fees in certain circumstances; and
• An allowance of damages when officials fail to comply with the law.
A controversial, though modified, aspect remained in the bill. When the
legislation left the House on March 15, it allowed applicants for a concealed
weapons license to opt out of the release of their names, counties of residence
and dates of birth to journalists
Florida governor creates Office of Open GovernmentTALLAHASSEE - Gov.-elect Charlie Crist on Tuesday announced the state's first
Office of Open Government to ensure compliance with open-records laws and train
public employees on the subject.
"Respecting the public trust that is bestowed on all of us who serve the
people of Florida is a top priority for me and for my administration," Crist
said in a statement.