‘Tis the season . . . for lawmaking
November 5, 2007 at 6:15 pm by Scott Henry in NewsWe’re barely into November, but already some folks can’t wait for the festivities to start. We’re talking, of course, about the General Assembly, and the folks in question are lawmakers touting their legislative agendas. We haven’t seen any pre-filed bills yet, but one DeKalb House Republican is already showing her hand a good two months before the beginning of the session.
Rep. Jill Chambers wants to ratchet up the penalties for those who knowingly violate the state’s Open Records Act. What a capitol idea! She hasn’t drafted her bill yet — in fact, she’s announced that she’s throwing “parties” to solicit ideas on how to overhaul the act — but she wants to increase the charge from a misdemeanor to a felony.
In blog posts and e-mails, Chambers explains that she’s been frustrated with politicians who willfully flout the law because the penalties are so meager. She cites the illegal, closed-door meetings in August by the Doraville City Council, during which three members tried to oust the police chief.
She’d like to see potential fines of a flagrant Open Records violation increased from $100 to $5,000.
But Chambers also believes the language of the existing law is so confusing that bureaucrats and department heads often don’t understand what documents they are required to hand over — or, at least, it provides them the cover to deny requests for information.
“Of all the laws in Georgia, the Sunshine laws should be easy to understand,” she explains.
Chambers, who’s never been shy about swimming against the tide in her own party, takes a jab at the Gubner when she notes that Perdue vetoed her own bill from last year that would have required state departments and authorities to provide reports to the Legislature detailing how they spent their money. Of course, it’s no secret that Perdue has tried to be the “Secrecy Governor,” fighting every attempt to expand Open Records laws.
Which brings us to Chambers’ smart strategy of announcing her plans well before the Legislature to galvanize support among media types. As you can see, with this blog post, so far, so good. …
Her bill-drafting parties are scheduled from noon-3 p.m. on Nov. 8 and Nov. 19 in the Legislative Office Building across from the Capitol. The room will be announced soon.
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November 5th, 2007 at 9:19 pm
A Georgia Republican advancing open government legislation???
Her peers will to try to squash Jill like a post halloween pumpkin.
Let’s don’t let it happen.
-honorary pres of the Jill Chambers fan club
in Bbib County, Georgia
November 6th, 2007 at 3:53 pm
thanks for the mention! We will be working in room 216 inside the Capitol. This will not be an easy project so the encouragement is greatly appreciated.
Jill
November 6th, 2007 at 5:58 pm
You got it Jill. Drop me an email and i will keep Bibb County and the Georgia Press Corp up to date, minute by minute…
November 9th, 2007 at 12:11 am
Jill, make sure this extends to any city of county bond issuing authority. As you know in DeKalb, there are a bunch of “authorities” that issue millions of bonds with no public notice, advertised meetings, meeting minutes online, list of authority members, how long there terms are, who appointed them, how many bonds have been issued, etc.