Family services, ACLU win right to secret talks: advocates denies access to consent decree conference with state agency

Article Abstract:

The US Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit found in B.H. v. McDonald that the interest of promoting candor in the consent decree meeting in camera between the American Civil Liberties Union and the Illinois Dept of Children and Family Services outweighed public access interests. Parents and social workers sought to intervene in settlement discussions regarding a case brought against the state agency. The Court found that the third parties had not demonstrated a right to intervene and that there was no right of public access because the meeting was not a trial.

United States, Conferences, meetings and seminars, Cases, American Civil Liberties Union, Family services, Illinois. Department of Children and Family Services

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State legislators continue attempts to limit access

Article Abstract:

Many state legislatures, in search of ways to cut costs, have enacted laws which threaten public access to government information and government meetings. A survey of laws considered or passed in 39 states is given. Examples are a California bill which would dismiss 140 public information officers and a Kansas bill which would charge citizens requesting public information for software and equipment used to find it. Concerns about privacy have also been evident in state bills.

Access control, Records and correspondence, Government information

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Cameras and microphones in public meetings: a broadcaster's guide to effective access in the 50 states and D.C

Article Abstract:

A survey of the law in the 50 states and the District of Columbia on media access to public meetings is given. Sources for the survey were government officials and state broadcasting associations. Relevant state and case law as well as attorney general opinions are given. General arguments that could be used in conjunction with existing authority are also given. The survey is alphabetical by state.

Media coverage

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