Invitation to access

Consider this an invitation.
On Thursday, Oct. 4, The Commercial Review will be hosting a free seminar on Indiana’s Public Access and Open Door laws.
The event, to be held from 6 to 8 p.m. at Arts Place in Portland, is aimed at members of local government boards and councils, municipal and county employees, attorneys, candidates for public office, and anyone else interested in civic life locally.
On hand will be Joe Hoage, the Indiana Public Access Counselor. He’ll be joined by Matt Light, who is Chief Counsel of the Advisory Division of the Office of the Indiana Attorney General. Also on hand will be Steve Key, who is Executive Director and General Counsel for the Hoosier State Press Association.
Access to public records and public meetings isn’t a huge problem locally, but there’s often confusion about the legal obligations of governing bodies and committees.
That’s true elsewhere in the state as well, so the HSPA, the access counselor, and the attorney general have teamed up for regional seminars around Indiana to bring folks up to speed.
What records are public and which ones are not? Which ones are discretionary? Who decides? Who can inspect public records? Anybody? Or just the press?
If a government agency is asked to provide access to a public record, how much time does it have to comply? And if it fails to comply, where does a citizen turn for assistance?
How much notice do city councils and other governing boards have to give of public meetings? When are those groups allowed to hold executive sessions? And what can be done during those closed-door sessions? What happens if there is a violation of rules?
You get the picture.
There are dozens of questions out there, and government employees often don’t know where they stand.
Since the Indiana General Assembly has decided to impose new penalties and potential fines for non-compliance with the Access to Public Records Act and the Open Door Law, it makes sense to get the right answers.
That’s what the seminar is intended to provide.
Though attorneys can earn continuing legal education credits by taking part, the material will be targeted for a general audience.
We encourage you to join us.
Again, the event is free.
But pre-registration is requested.
To pre-register, go to http://www.in.gov/attorneygeneral/2840.htm[[In-content Ad]]