News Release May 4, 2018 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Daniel Bevarly (239) 823-1811 · dbevarly@nfoic.org NFOIC requests Google disable Gmail “self-destructing” feature for government communiqués New feature undermines open government and records retention laws The National Freedom of Information Coalition (NFOIC) has contacted Google about Gmail’s new “self-destructing” email feature. The […]
Tag: public record
Deleting emails debated at Minnesota State Capitol
Government transparency was one of the big topics at the Minnesota State Capitol Tuesday.
The Minnesota Coalition on Government Information held a joint press conference with other local groups to raise their concerns over government email deletion and other transparency issues.
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IL: Cop camera footage: Public record or police property?
It took more than a year for Chicago police – under pressure from the media and the public – to release video footage of the 2014 shooting that left Laquan McDonald dead, 16 bullets in his body. When a judge finally insisted the video be released, it cast major doubt on the police department’s version of events.
State secrets
The State Secrets project is a joint effort by Reveal from The Center for Investigative Reporting and the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
Local governments hide public records, face few consequences
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Editorial: Florida Legislators closing open government
The Florida Constitution warms your heart with these bold and fervent statements right up front in Article I:
“Every person has the right to inspect or copy any public record made or received in connection with the official business of any public body, officer, or employee of the state, or persons acting on their behalf …”
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Reforms to improve Michigan public record access
It was a simple request of a government agency.
The Mackinac Center for Public Policy wanted 21/2 months' of price data collected by the state Liquor Control Commission.
The information was available and would fit on a flash drive, Michael LaFaive, the center's director of the Morey Fiscal Policy Initiative was told, if he had one on hand. He didn't. Continue>>>
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Editorial: Officials should release info before request
Information regarding the routes of freight trains carrying petroleum belongs in the public record. The Feb. 24 editorial regarding recent derailments noted that neither railroad companies nor state regulators appear eager to release the details. Virginia officials disclosed the pertinent information only after receiving a request filed under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).
The situation underscores the importance of the FOIA. It also suggests that government in its various manifestations fails to embrace the principles the FOIA promotes.
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Public records class available for free on attorney general’s website
Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine has announced the availability of a free, online class on the state’s transparency and public record laws.
The classes have been available as in-person lessons since 2011, but a demand for remote training prompted the office to offer them online.
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