March 16, 2020 For Immediate Release Contact: Daniel Bevarly Executive Director, NFOIC dbevarly@nfoic.org 352-294-7082 Fewer watchdogs, uncooperative public officials are biggest challenges to open government today, according to Open Government Survey The news media has shown a declining interest and involvement in FOI litigation and legal actions. And while news […]
Read More… from News Release – Biennial open government survey reveals big challenges
Commentary: Opening data to the public isn’t at odds with cybersecurity, but supports it, says the executive director of the National Freedom of Information Coalition. With governments focused today on tighter security measures surrounding sensitive data, now is an opportune time to adopt reforms that also remove obstacles to open public records and improve access. […]
Read More… from NFOIC: With cybersecurity hot, now is the time to open government
News Release December 3, 2018 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Daniel Bevarly · 352.294.7082 · dbevartly@nfoic.org NFOIC Freedom of Information Paper Competition Call – new! Do you have research in freedom of information (FOI) that will make a difference? Then submit your proposal to the National Freedom of Information Coalition’s first research paper competition for […]
Read More… from NFOIC Freedom of Information Paper Competition Call – new!
News Release September 12, 2018 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Daniel Bevarly (352) 294-7082 · dbevarly@nfoic.org “Living Legend of Open Government” to be inducted into Open Government Hall of Fame An AP award-winning journalist and the founding executive director of Pennsylvania’s Office of Open Records is this year’s inductee into the “Heroes of the 50 […]
Read More… from Living Legend of Open Government” to be inducted into Hall of Fame
The King County Sheriff’s Office recently got a much-deserved slap on the wrist for sharing inaccurate information with the public and the press and not correcting it in a timely manner. After the June 14, 2017, fatal shooting of 20-year-old Tommy Le by a deputy, the law enforcement agency told the press and the public […]
Read More… from Editorial: Clear communication from law enforcement is crucial
A strong bipartisan majority of Colorado legislators came together during the 2017 legislative session to pass HB 1313 – Civil Forfeiture Reform.
The bill, which adds necessary transparency and due process protections to the asset forfeiture practices of Colorado law enforcement, passed out of both chambers by a combined 81-19 vote and is awaiting signature by Gov. John Hickenlooper.
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Read More… from Guest Column: In support of transparency and due process in Colorado
The Virginia General Assembly will stream some committee meetings over the Internet next session, a milestone for a body that has resisted this sort of technology.
The Senate announced its plan Thursday to stream from two main committee rooms next year, and the House followed up with an announcement from Speaker of the House William Howell that the chamber has worked toward committee streaming "without fanfare for the last several months."
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Read More… from Virginia House, Senate to stream some meetings
The Florida First Amendment Foundation worked hard throughout Florida's legislative session to advocate for open government and freedom of information. They just released their final report for the 2017 session, which can be found with their weekly reports.
The reports can be found here.
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Read More… from Florida First Amendment Foundation 2017 Legislative Review
At least three federal government agencies have agreed to seemingly conceal official communications with a congressional committee from public information requests, following letters sent last month by the chairman of the House Committee on Financial Services.
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A woman was honored Friday for her pursuit of keeping her local government open to the public.
The Kansas Sunshine Coalition for Open Government presented its 2017 Friend of Open Government award to Debbie Miller of Independence, Kansas.
The group says Miller has pressed her local government for openness over the past several years. They say one instance, when she pressed for a copy of the form the city uses to evaluate the city manager's job performance, stood out to them.
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Read More… from Kansas: Woman awarded for keeping local government information open to public
