New state laws improve access, allow sanctions against violators

Article Abstract:

Florida, West Virginia, Idaho, Virginia and Utah are states which have passed laws regarding the freedom of information in 1991 and 1992. Florida laws make Department of Health and Rehabilitation Services worker performance evaluations open. West Virginia has opened college and university crime reports. Idaho law for state and local government meetings requires public notice to be given. Virginia allows closure of state and local government meetings when discussing a prospective business's interests. Utah has overhauled its public records law, which includes penalties for noncompliance.

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Smoking research not exempt as 'confidential' research information

Article Abstract:

The US Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit ruled in Burka v. Department of Health & Human Services that reports from smoking cessation research commissioned by the National Cancer Institute was subject to disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act. The government argued that the reports were exempt from disclosure as internal research. The Court found that the materials were not the sort typically covered by the internal research exemption.

Research, United States, Smoking cessation programs, Smoking cessation

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Hawaii judge releases tapes in first test of new law

Article Abstract:

A Hawaii circuit court ordered the release of fire and police records made during an emergency that resulted in the death of a girl, under the state's Uniform Information Practices Act. The fire and police departments had argued that release of the information would breach the privacy of the victim's family and cause problems in apprehending a suspect. The court disagreed and the records were released.

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