Society of Professional Journalists
Improving and protecting journalism since 1909
SPJ News
Latest SPJ News | RSS
State FOI Law Alert: Rollbacks, Updates
FOI Alert Volume 6 Issue 3 (2000-2001)
6/8/2001
Tweet
With some state legislatures done for the year and others still working on legislation, what trends have emerged? Unfortunately, most of the news is not good for journalists and other FOI advocates. SPJ has been among the leaders in calling attention to the most egregious legislative proposals, including Florida’s "instant law" on autopsy photographs and Indiana’s bill exempting lawmakers from open records laws. However, they are just two examples.
For a good perspective on what’s happening nationwide, check out Greg McDonald’s report on the Web at stateline.org. The specific address:
http://www.stateline.org/story.cfm?storyid=130110
Has your legislature ever tried to exempt itself from access laws? Indiana’s did, although Gov. Frank O’Bannon thwarted the attempt with a much-welcomed veto. The issue may reach a conclusion by mid-June as lawmakers consider whether to override the veto.
For the latest:
http://www.indystar.com/print/citystate/tue/articles/session05.html
Meanwhile, the New Jersey legislature had been heading toward landmark FOI reform. Now, however, the issue has hit a logjam.
For more on that story:
http://www.app.com/news/app/story/0,2110,402777,00.html
Copyright © 1996-2018 Society of Professional Journalists. All Rights Reserved.
Legal | Policies
Society of Professional Journalists
Eugene S. Pulliam National Journalism Center
3909 N. Meridian St., Suite 200
Indianapolis, IN 46208
317-927-8000
Contact SPJ Headquarters
Employment Opportunities
Advertise with SPJ