Post by Logan on Jan 26, 2016 16:03:46 GMT -6
Bill undermines Florida's public records law, opponents charge
TALLAHASSEE — A bill to remove the requirement that judges award attorney fees to people who successfully challenge state or local governments for violating the state's public records law unanimously passed a Senate committee Tuesday, continuing the fast-paced progress of a measure First Amendment advocates say will "gut" the foundations of the state's 40-year-old Sunshine Law.
The Senate Governmental Oversight and Accountability Committee voted 3-0 for SB 1220, sponsored by Sen. Rene Garcia. Two senators — Jack Latvala, R-Clearwater, and Dwight Bullard, D-Cutler Ridge — left the committee meeting shortly before the vote.
The measure is a top priority of the League of Cities and Association of Counties who argue that it is needed to stem the increase in frivolous public records lawsuits. But Sunshine law advocates, led by the First Amendment Foundation, warn that the measure will weaken the only enforcement mechanism the public has when public officials violate the law.
"The bill is meant to cut off a cottage industry that is taking advantage of our state's public records laws," Garcia told the committee. "Their concern is only for a quick and easy profit. Right now, there are organizations that will make hundreds of public records requests, each potentially containing thousands of documents, all to order around a city or county so they can receive a settlement."
Read more: www.tampabay.com/news/politics/stateroundup/bill-undermines-floridas-public-records-law-opponents-charge/2262867
TALLAHASSEE — A bill to remove the requirement that judges award attorney fees to people who successfully challenge state or local governments for violating the state's public records law unanimously passed a Senate committee Tuesday, continuing the fast-paced progress of a measure First Amendment advocates say will "gut" the foundations of the state's 40-year-old Sunshine Law.
The Senate Governmental Oversight and Accountability Committee voted 3-0 for SB 1220, sponsored by Sen. Rene Garcia. Two senators — Jack Latvala, R-Clearwater, and Dwight Bullard, D-Cutler Ridge — left the committee meeting shortly before the vote.
The measure is a top priority of the League of Cities and Association of Counties who argue that it is needed to stem the increase in frivolous public records lawsuits. But Sunshine law advocates, led by the First Amendment Foundation, warn that the measure will weaken the only enforcement mechanism the public has when public officials violate the law.
"The bill is meant to cut off a cottage industry that is taking advantage of our state's public records laws," Garcia told the committee. "Their concern is only for a quick and easy profit. Right now, there are organizations that will make hundreds of public records requests, each potentially containing thousands of documents, all to order around a city or county so they can receive a settlement."
Read more: www.tampabay.com/news/politics/stateroundup/bill-undermines-floridas-public-records-law-opponents-charge/2262867