Opening government
From our friends at the Associated Press:
RALEIGH, N.C (AP) _ A plan proponents say will increase compliance with the state's public records law has been approved by the Senate.The chamber unanimously approved the open government bill on Monday.
Under the proposal, citizens and groups that challenge government officials for access to public records would be guaranteed compensation for their legal bills if they win.
The bill also would create a special unit to mediate open records disputes between government officials and record-seekers. The program would charge users fees for the service.
The measure now heads to the House, which needs to approve the proposal before it can be sent to Gov. Mike Easley.
A word about the "guaranteed compensation" line.
Right now, government bodies can get out of paying the bill for court costs if they rely on the advice of their lawyers. That essentially takes any sting out of losing a public records case.
Under this bill, there would be some sting even if the government body in question thought it was right in denying a request. So before going to trial there would be some economic incentive to make sure their lawyer is right.
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