Some improvement being made in Pennsylvania open records bill, but it's still lacking
SPJ Pennsylvania Sunshine Chair Susan Schwartz reports today that headway is being made in improving the Pennsylvania open records bill. The House amended the bill Tuesday by stripping the exception for "burdensome" requests and they moved the open records office director appointment from the governor to the state ethics commission. However, the bill still exempts 911 tapes, and all government e-mail and phone records. OK, a few states exempt 911 tapes, but all e-mail and phone records? Sheesh. They wouldn't stand for that in Texas (see entry below). Schwartz said she and others continue to try to help create sensible legislation. A House vote is expected in mid-November.