Tuesday, February 10, 2004

Start-Up Funds Available for State FOI Groups If you are thinking about starting a freedom-of-information organization in your state, check out the project grants available from the National Freedom of Information Coalition (NFOIC). March 1, 2004, is the deadline for applications for the next funding cycle. The NFOIC is a coalition made up primarily of state FOI groups. More information on NFOIC, as well as guidelines and application forms, are available on the NFOIC website. If you have any questions, contact Katherine Garner, Executive Director, at 214-977-6658 or foift@AIRMAIL.NET. 2:07:49 PM

State, Counties Flunk Open Records Audit by Florida Papers A sweeping test of the willingness of state and county agencies to provide public records on request showed frequent failures to meet the openness requirements of Florida law. The "audit" of Florida government open records by 30 newspapers and the First Amendment Foundation of Florida was major news the weekend of Feb. 7-8, 2004. One Sarasota Herald-Tribune reporter was nearly arrested when he asked for a school superintendent's cell phone bill. A good roundup of links to the coverage is available on Joe Adams website, The Florida Sunshine Review.   1:53:15 PM

Va. House Votes Rollback of Open Meetings Law  The Virginia House of Delegates voted 52-48 on Feb. 9, 2004, to exempt the legislature from the state's open meetings law. It now goes to the Senate. Washington Post story. 1:05:52 PM