The states with the most media coverage of their FOIA activity in recent months are Illinois, South Carolina, Virginia and Connecticut.
ILLINOIS: Most of the news about FOIA results from municipal denials of FOIA requests which citizens appeal to a special section of the state’s Office of Attorney General. When the Assistant AG in this section rules in favor of the appellant, the AAG usually fires a shot across the municipality’s bow. If the warning isn’t heeded, the AAG can compel compliance. The Illinois statute has real teeth.
SOUTH CAROLINA: The legislature floats a lot of trial balloons about tinkering with FOIA. Notable among them are proposals for legislative transparency.
VIRGINIA: Much of the activity here concerns partisan political bickering over FOIA adjustments, reflecting transition turmoil prominent in the state over the past couple of years. There was an uproar when the legislature banned out-of-state FOIA requests.
CONNECTICUT: The increased volume of FOIA news in this state can be attributed to privacy issues arising from the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy.
On the international scene, Ireland, India and Nigeria have had frequent news coverage of FOIA events.
Bermuda and the Philippines are struggling with initial FOIA legislation. (Better late than never.)
CELEBRATE SUNSHINE WEEK !
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