Records requesters seeking information about COVID-19 in Florida face long delays and large fees. “But perhaps more worrisome, we’re often hearing that some agencies will stonewall, fail to respond, and provide nothing, for months,” said Pam Marsh, president of the First Amendment Foundation of Florida. “It’s basically a ‘so sue me’ kind of attitude, daring […]
Tag: First Amendment Foundation
Critics of Florida tourism agencies pleased with new accountability, transparency measures
A public-private agency that promotes Florida’s tourism industry won full funding from the state legislature despite criticism that the state support amounts to corporate welfare.
But the $76 million approved for Visit Florida during a special session of the legislature last week came with stiffer reporting requirements aimed at making the agency’s activities more transparent.
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A First Amendment fight in Florida
The First Amendment Foundation and others have met with lawmakers here to discuss revisions to a Senate bill that would let a judge decide whether to award attorney fees against an agency involved in a lawsuit regarding an open-records law violation.
But while several free-speech groups told the Senate Judiciary Committee this week that they view some recent changes to SB 1220 as progress, they are still not convinced that the bill does not impede on Floridians’ constitutional right to public information.
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Advocates decry Florida bill ending automatic fees for public records violations
Local government leaders in Florida are battling with open-government advocates over legislation that would leave it up to a judge to award attorney’s fees in public-records cases.
The bill (SB 1220) passed through a Senate panel Tuesday by a unanimous 3-0 vote, and the House version of the bill (HB 1021) won a committee’s approval on Monday.
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Read More… from Advocates decry Florida bill ending automatic fees for public records violations
Florida lawmaker wants to stop ‘snitching culture’
A state lawmaker wants to stop what he calls “snitching culture.” This is when community members are discouraged from talking to the police. But, one Sunshine Law group is concerned because the bill would block a witness’ information from the public.
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First Amendment Foundation announces new Hanna and Douglas Weiss Open Government Legal Fellowship
Supported by a donation from Kenneth L. Weiss, Esq., the Hanna and Douglas Weiss Open Government Legal Fellowship is a one-semester fellowship for a law student interested in learning about Florida's open government laws and the legislative process.
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Florida FAF’S Online Open Government Training now available
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Read More… from Florida FAF’S Online Open Government Training now available Florida Sunshine, open meeting seminar planned for OrlandoThe Orlando Sentinel Media Group will host the First Amendment Foundation's fall Sunshine Seminar on Thursday, Sept. 17. The one-day seminar gives an overview of Florida public records and public meeting requirements as well as a legislative update and discussion of media law issues. Continue>>> ====== […] Read More… from Florida Sunshine, open meeting seminar planned for Orlando Florida officials say Gov. Rick Scott should pay $700,000 records lawsuit settlementThe head of Florida’s main open-government organization said Wednesday Governor Rick Scott should personally pay the $700,000 settlement costs of a public records lawsuit, rather than letting taxpayers pick up the tab. […] Read More… from Florida officials say Gov. Rick Scott should pay $700,000 records lawsuit settlement Florida’s First Amendment Foundation Announces Winner of the 2014 Pete Weitzel/Friend of the First Amendment AwardThe First Amendment Foundation is pleased to announce it will award George Gabel of Holland & Knight its 2014 Pete Weitzel/Friend of the First Amendment Award. “George Gabel is always there to stand up in court on behalf of the Sunshine laws and the First Amendment. George has been our legal champion for many years, as we worked to pry open public meetings, liberate public records and ensure the court system is open to the public,” said The Florida Times-Union Editor Frank Denton in his nomination letter. […] |