A good step towards better access (03/03/2009)

Indiana took a step forward last week in keeping government open to its citizens.

We hope the journey will continue to move ahead in the Indiana House of Representatives.

The Indiana Senate has approved adding civil fines for deliberate violations of the state's Public Access laws. The bill now moves to the House.

The bill, which would allow judges to fine violators up to $100 for the first occurrence and up to $500 for subsequent violations, could be a deterrent for those who choose not to follow state statutes regarding public access to public meetings and public records.

We've found that the great majority of those working for local government - both elected and appointed - want to comply with the law. If there is what we perceive as a violation, more often than not that violation is caused by lack of knowledge rather than a deliberate intent to break the law.

But in a few instances, we've butted heads with a public official or attorney that seems determined to keep the public away.

We filed a formal complaint last year against the town of Pennville for what we believed was an improper notice of an executive session being held under improper circumstances.

Indiana Public Access Counselor Heather Willis Neal ruled the notice was improper, but deferred ruling on the remainder of the complaint because neither the council nor its attorney had responded with its side of the story.

Even though newspapers and associations such as the Hoosier State Press Association have argued strenuously for passage of the bill, it's not just for the benefit of newspapers and the press. The proposed penalties, we believe, will improve access for all citizens.

The current laws regarding access to government records and meetings have no teeth.

It's time for the Indiana House to step up. - M.S.[[In-content Ad]]