In recent days, the news media has devoted unusually heavy coverage to the Legislative Public Records Act that was passed Friday by the Legislature. Since then, my office has received a high number of calls and emails from constituents asking about this legislation.
The media is in fact the plaintiff in the legal case that led to the court ruling that is the impetus for this bill, and the vast majority of news coverage has emphasized the media’s arguments while minimizing the Legislature’s side of the story. Not surprisingly, puzzled constituents are calling with lots of questions.
To learn more about this legislation and why it is needed, I encourage you to click here to read a summary, in simple but clear lay terms, that answers the most commonly asked questions. I believe this will give you a fuller picture, including a number of perspectives you will not find in news accounts and editorials on this matter. I urge you to weigh all sides and judge for yourself the merits of what this legislation does.
As you know, I hold strong beliefs in transparency and open government. This bill has been widely misunderstood, so I appreciate this opportunity to clarify the importance and intent of this bill.
Please know that my door is always open to you and I encourage you to please contact my office if you have additional questions.
Sen. Karen Keiser
