The California state legislature is making progress on a law that would make the public records of government agencies available in “open” format. The law calls for agencies to save documents in a searchable format which can be done at minimal cost. -db From TechPresident, May 24 2012, by Sarah Lai Stirland. Full story
A federal appeals court ruled against the Chicago Tribune in its quest for secure records from the University of Illinois relating to the school’s preferential review process for applicants for admission with connections to influential supporters. The court said the case belonged in state court under state open records laws. -db From the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, May 24, 2012, by You-Jin Han. Full story
The New York Supreme Court ruled that communications between New York and federal environmental officials are public record and must be released. Waterford town officials sued to obtain 344 records about dredging PCBs from the Hudson River. -db From the Seattle Post Intelligencer, March 22, 2012, by Michael Virtanen, Associated Press. Full story
The 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that non-residents have no right to Virginia public records under the state’s freedom of information law. Non-residents were challenging the law claiming it was unconstitutional. The two non-residents who sued the state were seeking child support documents and real estate tax assessment records. -db From The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, February 1, 2012, by You-Jin Han. Full story
State Senator Leland Yee of San Francisco will introduce a bill in January to repeal a law requiring a vote of the Pubic Utilities Commission before most records can be released to the public. Yee is sponsoring the bill after allegations that Pacific Gas and Electric was less than forthcoming with documents concerning the pipeline explosion last year in San Bruno. The PUC , said Yee, failed to regulate PG&E adequately. -db From the San