INDIANAPOLIS — A bill that would allow fines against government workers who blatantly violate Indiana’s public access laws is in jeopardy.
The state Senate unanimously approved the bill, which supporters say would put much-needed teeth into Indiana’s open door and public records laws. But a House committee chairman said Tuesday that he doesn’t plan to give the bill a hearing before a key deadline this week.
Rep. John Bartlett, D-Indianapolis, said his committee spent time on other subjects and he ran out of time to consider the open records bill. He said he hasn’t spent enough time studying the bill to know whether he had any specific objections to the legislation.
Proposal supporters hope lawmakers will revive the proposal in another bill before the legislative session ends April 29.
“I won’t say it’s over yet,” said Steve Key, a lobbyist for the Hoosier State Press Association.
The bill would allow judges to fine public agencies or agency workers who intentionally violate open meeting rules or public records laws, which are used by citizens and the media to obtain many government documents. An agency could pay for the fines from its budget, while a fine on an employee would come from the worker’s wallet.
Fines would be $100 for the first violation and up to $500 for additional incidents.
Currently, people alleging open meeting or public records violations must first seek a nonbinding opinion from the state’s public access counselor. They can then file lawsuits over their complaints, and judges can order that records be made public or that open meeting violations be stopped.
Current law allows judges to order the public official or agency that violated the law to pay the plaintiff’s legal fees, but they can’t impose civil penalties such as the proposed fines.
State News
Bill to impose access penalties in jeopardy
- State News
-
-
Pats tats are sign of pride for Indy police officer
There’s no love lost in this Super Bowl host city for the New England Patriots, but it’s no crime to be a Pats fan. Just ask Indianapolis police Officer Mike Andresen.
-
Wireless infrastructure to be tested under heavy demand
The throngs of fans who’ll descend on Lucas Oil Stadium for Sunday’s Super Bowl game may experience the most “connected” game in the event’s history, thanks to an estimated $100 million investment in technology infrastructure in and around the stadium.
-
Indiana election chief's voter fraud trial nears end
The political future of Indiana's top election official, and potentially his freedom, rested Friday with jurors, who were deliberating late into the evening in his voter fraud trial.
-
Man fatally shot, two Muncie police officers injured
A witness says he saw two police officers involved in a shootout with a man in a convenient store parking lot, saying it lasted about 30 seconds.
-
Cancer charity confronts backlash over grant cuts
The renowned breast cancer charity Susan G. Komen for the Cure faced an escalating backlash Thursday over its decision to cut breast screening grants to Planned Parenthood. Some of Komen's local affiliates are openly upset, including all seven in California, and at least one top official has quit, reportedly in protest.
-
Brady throws NFL, feds curveball
Super Bowl officials ended up with news stories Thursday that led with Super Bowl-bound quarterback Tom Brady admitting he watched last year’s NFL championship game on an illegal website.
-
Fan Dome brings Xbox under the bubble
When it comes to marketing, Microsoft pulled out all the stops for Super Bowl XLVI. Witness the Fan Dome, the inflated bubble containing Xbox 360 Kinect games, plenty of room for players to jump up and down and do their moves, and some pumping music to elevate the experience.
-
Feds seize nearly $5M in phony Super Bowl swag
Federal officials say authorities have seized nearly $5 million worth of phony Super Bowl sportswear and merchandise in a nationwide sweep.
-
Ind. lawmakers seek to protect Fort Wayne base
The commander of Indiana Air National Guard's 122nd Fighter Wing says the base in Fort Wayne is awaiting word on whether it will be one of military bases the Pentagon closes.
-
Super security goes into place for Super Bowl
Law enforcement officials charged with Super Bowl security are taking extraordinary measures to prevent a terrorist attack, but they’re also working to keep the event from being a field day for common criminals.
- More State News Headlines
-
