Counterattack on an FOI Assault
Tucson Citizen 2-26-04
Our Opinion: A legislative assault on public records
Arizona legislators are moving on several fronts to cloak government actions in secrecy - a disturbing trend that makes it more difficult for the public to keep watch on the public's business.
The legislative assault is aimed at the media. But the effect would be to keep taxpayers in the dark about government operations.
Charge for redacting public records
The House Education Committee yesterday OK'd HB2357, which would allow government to charge for deleting private information from public records.
The bill was introduced after a Phoenix television station asked for public records about school bus accidents. School officials felt that was a "fishing expedition."
State Rep. Linda Gray, R-Glendale, opposed the bill. She pointed out that another television station reported hundreds of felons had security guard licenses - a story that emerged only after a similar "fishing expedition."
Public agencies wanting to avoid public scrutiny would use this bill to charge outrageous fees to review records and redact private information. It should be defeated.
Secret records on fuel supplies
This bill is a fallout of last summer's gasoline pipeline break in Tucson.
Reports of a gasoline shortage led Phoenix drivers to panic, resulting in long lines at gasoline stations.
State officials asked for gasoline inventory information to see if there was a real problem. But petroleum industry officials refused because the information would be available to the public and to competitors. SB1275 would allow some records submitted to the state to be kept confidential.
The public needs more information - not less - on topics such as the fuel supply available in the state. Hiding such matters will not make them go away. This bill should be defeated.
Hiding photos of police officers
HB2383 would require that photos of law enforcement officers be kept secret unless the officer consents or is charged with a crime.
There already is a law that prohibits the release of photos of undercover officers. There is no compelling reason to also hide the photos of officers who may face administrative sanctions short of criminal charges - or those who win awards.
If this bill becomes law, police will release officers' photos when the news is good and refuse when the news is bad. It is unnecessary and should be defeated.
Some good news on property records
One bill that would have limited access to property records was defeated - a rare victory for public access.
Records on ownership of real estate have long been open to the public. But HB2525 would have limited that.
Under the bill, those using a computer to research property would have to provide their name and address and the parcel number of the property they are researching. It would not have been possible to research a property based on the address or on the owner's name.
This bill's defeat keeps crucial public records available to the public.
Tell legislators what you think
Contact legislators about public access to government records:
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