N.C. Political Donor’s Napping Trucker Request; Another State Struggles With Its Untested Rape Kits
Also: Minnesota's good Black Friday idea and Las Vegas tests out traffic safety project successful in South Carolina
Why Colorado Gets a Failing Grade on Access to Public Information
Among the problems in the Centennial State: Since there’s no appeals process for denied records requests, the only recourse is litigation.
Center for Public Integrity's New 50 State Scorecards Show 'Deeply Troubling' Results
Examining indicators like open records and financial disclosure laws, CPI’s 2015 report shows 11 states with “F” grades. And the highest score was only a “C.”
Campaign Finance Transparency Already Getting an Update in Illinois
Two months in, and the Illinois Sunshine site has added an API and data dictionary to assist with political and public policy influence storytelling.
How D.C.’s Office of Open Government Is Transforming Government One Day at a Time
Despite a limited budget and resources, the office has shepherded significant transformation in its two-and-a-half years, according to a guest article by its director.
Tar Heel Lawmakers Battle Over Gays, Immigrants, Environment; Authorities Raid Minneapolis Day Cares
Also: Illinois universities, students scramble during budget impasse and Vermont’s ‘Governor Transparency’ is also ‘King of Controlling the Message’
Are Florida’s Hospitals Price Gouging Patients?
The Sunshine State’s governor thinks so, and he’s pushing cost transparency legislation to inform patients’ healthcare decisions.
Top New Mexico Official Faces 64-Count Indictment; Philly’s Pothole Predicament
Also: Stripping a South Carolina name in Minnesota and North Carolina’s ongoing budget ‘purgatory.’
Government Business on Private Devices Is Now Official Public Record in Washington State
State and local agencies will have to adapt.
'Checkbook' Websites Shine Light on State Spending
While many states have been ramping up their efforts to make their sites accessible and comprehensive, some still have a long way to go.
Where Does Your State Fall on Lobbying Disclosure Requirements?
The Sunlight Foundation takes a look, and the results vary.
Virginia Lawmakers Examining a Big Public Records Loophole
The commonwealth’s “working papers” exemption has seen numerous FOIA request denials and is the only one covering state university presidents.
Volcker Alliance Aims to ‘Expose the Game’ Some States Play With Their Budgets
A new report criticizes questionable fiscal tactics and calls for more transparency in spending decisionmaking processes.
Open Meetings Laws Under Scrutiny in Many States
As Alabama looks to close a quorum loophole, other open meetings changes are considered in states like Michigan and Illinois.
Cybersecurity Risk or Building Block for More Open Government?
Supporters of IT inventorying legislation in California say it will improve access and spark innovation. But some fear it could help cyber criminals zero in on local governments.
Budget Simulator Puts Citizens in Control of Government’s ‘Fiscal Spigot’
The latest interactive infographic for state and local governments has won over cities in financial trouble or improving transparency.
Here’s Why Public Services Are Improving in 12 Cities
A recent IBM study found new governing structures and technology initiatives improved citizen engagement with local governments.
With a Police Body Camera Redaction Solution in Sight in Seattle, D.C. Mayor Moves to Block Video Access
A transparency fight is simmering in the nation’s capital. But in the other Washington, tech-savvy civic hackers are helping police figure out automated video redaction.
Ohio Makes Big Move to Boost Municipal Spending Transparency
The Buckeye State already gets high marks on making information available. Those efforts will now expand to the local level.
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