Sunshine

Government Transparency Undermined: Officials Ignore Sunshine Laws, Blocking Public Access to Information

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Miami, Florida – Sunshine Week, an annual celebration of transparency laws, is shedding light on the continued efforts of government officials to undermine those very laws. This nationwide event serves as a reminder that while transparency may be championed for one week, the remaining 51 weeks often tell a different story. Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida has come under scrutiny as two officers from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement claimed that his office blocked the release of publicly-funded travel records. These officers allege that they faced retaliation for asserting that these records should be … Read more

Unveiling Government Secrets: The 50-Year Legacy of Tennessee’s ‘Sunshine Law’

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Murfreesboro, Tennessee – In a time when transparency in government often faces opposition, it’s worth reflecting on the significance of the “Sunshine Law” enacted 50 years ago. State Representative John Bragg, a Democrat from Murfreesboro, championed this legislation in 1974. Although initially met with criticism and resistance, the law forever changed the way governmental meetings operate in the state. At its core, the Sunshine Law aimed to expose governmental processes to public scrutiny. Prior to its enactment, officials could conduct business in secrecy, away from prying eyes and critical voices. The proposed law received harsh … Read more

Portage County Man Files Lawsuit Against Jackson-Milton School District, Alleges Violation of Ohio’s Sunshine Laws

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North Jackson, Ohio – A Portage County man has recently filed a lawsuit against the Jackson-Milton Local School District, claiming that the district has violated Ohio’s Sunshine Laws. These laws stipulate that government meetings and records must be made public. Brian Ames, the president of Open Government Advocates, initiated the lawsuit, which was submitted to the Mahoning County Court of Common Pleas on February 1. According to the lawsuit, the district has failed to properly inform the public about its school board meetings and maintain accurate and complete meeting minutes. It also alleges that the … Read more