Transparency

These Steps Can Help Build Trust in Vaccination Programs

COMMENTARY | States and localities should prioritize using clear, science-based communication, restoring trust and providing better data to address the hesitancy some people have about getting the Covid-19 vaccine.

  • By Graham Stroman

In One State, a Battle Over Publicly Naming Disciplined Police Officers

A state appeals court in New Jersey ruled that the attorney general does have the power to compel police departments to disclose the names of police officers who have been disciplined for misconduct.

  • By Emma Coleman

A State Moves to Publicly Disclose Information on Workplace Coronavirus Outbreaks

The decision by Oregon officials comes after scrutiny over outbreaks at a fruit company there.

  • By Bill Lucia

In the Age of Social Distancing, Government Meetings Go Virtual

State and local governments are holding virtual meetings to slow the spread of Covid-19 and trying to find ways to continue public participation.

  • By Kate Elizabeth Queram

Granting Anonymity to State Lawmakers—Behind Tinted Windows

State law in Rhode island requires tinted car windows to let in a certain amount of light. One lawmaker wants to exempt General Assembly members from the rule, saying it's necessary to ensure safety.

  • By Kate Elizabeth Queram

Union Organizing Emails May Be Subject to Disclosure After State High Court Ruling

A group often at odds with government labor unions says the case sets an important precedent for when correspondence about union activities is public record.

  • By Bill Lucia

Supreme Court to Hear Challenge on State Code Copyrights

Georgia holds a copyright for its annotated state code, which sells for $404, and sued to block a website from distributing free copies of the document.

  • By Andrea Noble

A Proposal to Link States’ Control Over Federal Block Grants to Their Ethics and Transparency Laws

The idea, which faces long odds on Capitol Hill, is being pushed by a Michigan congressman.

  • By Bill Lucia

Lawmakers Propose Transparency Requirements for Opportunity Zones

But there are questions about whether they go far enough.

  • By Bill Lucia

Philly Mayor Deleted Years of Text Messages

STATE AND LOCAL ROUNDUP | W.Va. teachers strike … Alaska cold case leads to arrest in Maine using genetic genealogy … and the Cincinnati City Council’s attendance record.

  • By Michael Grass

The Reason Why Kentucky’s Pension Reform Law Was Struck Down

Gov. Matt Bevin, who championed the legislation, called Thursday’s state Supreme Court ruling “an unprecedented power grab by activists judges.”

  • By Michael Grass

The Case For Embracing Transparency

COMMENTARY | It's time to rethink and reframe our approach to public records.

  • By Chris Bullock
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Insurance Companies Balk at Florida’s Health Care Cost Transparency Website

STATE AND LOCAL ROUNDUP | Feds sue California over net neutrality protections ... Nevada sex offender registry changes … and cat stuck on pole prompts interagency frustration.

  • By Michael Grass

Secret Government Communication Lawsuit Continues in Missouri

STATE AND LOCAL ROUNDUP | Tulsa’s sexual assault grant funding … Louisiana wants to build an airport in a wildlife refuge … and Duluth’s unusual snow-shoveling rule.

  • By Michael Grass

The Difficult Balance of Transparency and Privacy for Local Governments

“Risk will never be zero so it has to be actively managed,” according to Jason Lally, data services manager for the city and county of San Francisco.

  • By Michael Grass

Police Records Case Puts City Hall on the Hook for Major Penalties and Fees

STATE AND LOCAL ROUNDUP | San Francisco’s scooter ultimatum … La. safety-net hospitals may close … and no more $49 burgers for Conn. town budget meetings.

  • By Michael Grass

Judge: Chicago Mayor’s Office Violated State Open Records Law

STATE AND LOCAL ROUNDUP | Ind. school takeover bill OK’d … feds looking at Atlanta airport contracts … 6 states sue Purdue Pharma … and S.F. mayor’s public safety plan.

  • By Michael Grass

Private Water Utility Shareholders Reject Transparency Proposals

The proposals would have required American Water to make new disclosures on political contributions and lobbying.

  • By Bill Lucia

New Study Grades State Government Spending Websites

Ohio and West Virginia were among the states that fared well in the rankings.

  • By Bill Lucia

After Public Fury in Washington State, Lawmakers Rethink Legislative Transparency

“Local officials are used to the idea that their records are public,” according to state freedom of information advocate Michele Earl-Hubbard. “It is the longtimers at the Capitol who don’t think that way.”

  • By John Tomasic

Major Changes for LAPD Body Camera Transparency Policies

STATE AND LOCAL ROUNDUP | Austin bombings keep residents on high alert; Ariz. teachers plan sickout; D.C. mayor vs. Marco Rubio; San Francisco’s fur ban; and more tech jobs are heading to Missoula.

  • By Michael Grass