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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Mike Carroll |
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TO: Editor, Community Express
FROM: State Rep. Mike Carroll, D-Luzerne/Monroe
RE: Open records reform in state House
Legislation which would significantly revise the state’s open-records law was recently passed by the House. The legislation, known as S.B. 1, would for the first time place a presumption in state law that all records are considered open unless they fall into one of the exemptions designed to protect privacy, security or work product.
Under current law, records are presumed closed unless they are specifically designated as open for public inspection. Under S.B. 1, records regarding spending of tax dollars by all three branches of government at both the state and local level would be public. The legislation would also establish a new Public Records Office to help Pennsylvania residents gain access to public records and appeal decisions by state and local agencies denying access to records. The House version of S.B. 1 must go back to the Senate, which expects to vote on the legislation when it returns in January.
I am glad that the legislature heard the concerns aired by individuals and organizations across the Commonwealth and responded by passing legislation that would reduce exemptions and close loopholes that would continue to leave the public in the dark as to the actions of their elected officials. The most striking part of this legislation is for the first time, the legislature would be subject to public scrutiny by having its records available for public review. This is a very important provision in restoring accountability and transparency to state government.
The push for open-records reform builds on progress made earlier in the year, when the House adopted new procedural rules that include posting expense reports and payroll information online, preventing votes after 11 p.m., and eliminating the private vehicle lease program. All of these measures have resulted in a more transparent government that allows the public to see what their elected officials are doing on their behalf.
I hope that our colleagues in the Senate will preserve the stricter provisions we included in the open-records bill to make it easier for the public to be knowledgeable about how their elected officials and public offices do business. I firmly believe that the public should have access to this information.
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