Transparency News 12/31/15

State and Local Stories

HB 245 (Del. Kirk Cox)
Authorizes the Keeper of the Rolls to correct typographical errors in resolutions, in addition to his existing authority to correct such errors in bills.
http://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?161+sum+HB245


National Stories
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A website that tracks public records requests across West Virginia state and local governments will be up and running by Friday, meeting the Jan. 1 deadline spelled out in state law, Secretary of State Natalie Tennant said. Tennant told The Associated Press the site will list agencies, what was requested, when it was requested and who asked for the information. It will say how much agencies charged and whether they partly or entirely granted requests, or denied them, and the reasons for denials. It will also include the date that the request was formally completed. The site won’t include the actual agency records produced in response.
The Post

Tennessee is set to become the first state to release a registry that will consist of the names of people convicted of having intentionally abused animals. WBIR-TV reports that, beginning Jan. 1, anyone can access the online registry, see a picture of the offender, and learn the offender's age and where the offender lives.
Herald Courier

A federal judge has refused to dismiss a lawsuit contesting two new Wyoming laws barring people from gathering information about agriculture and other industries on private and public lands. U.S. District Judge Scott Skavdahl in Casper made the ruling Monday after questioning the constitutionality of the laws. The Wyoming Legislature passed the two similar laws earlier this year. The measures specifically prohibit the taking of photos or gathering of other data while trespassing on open land. A coalition of environmental, animal rights and other groups filed the suit, saying the laws try to prohibit gathering information used to challenge resource management decisions and expose animal cruelty.
Star Tribune


Editorials/Columns

As we pause tonight to celebrate making another revolution around the sun, the Daily Press Editorial Board thought it fitting to join in the tradition of making promises for the new year. These aren't resolutions per se, so much as aspirations for the communities we serve.  Finally, we'd call on public officials in all of our coverage area to do better when it comes to issues of transparency and citizen access. We'd rather not have to call you out for criticism and ridicule based on your inability or unwillingness to heed Virginia's Freedom of Information Act — but we will when we have to. Make a pledge this year to honor the provisions of that statute, to consider open government a responsibility rather than a burden, and we'll be sure to have a great year as a result. Best wishes to you all. Have a great New Year's Eve celebration.
Daily Press