Legislative update

We are now awaiting a House Judiciary Committee vote on House Bill 77.

The chapter supported the bill, sponsored by Republican Del. Michael Smigiel. A story from The Gazette can be found here.

The chapter is also supporting House Bill 349 sponsored by Democratic Del. Elizabeth Bobo. The bill would clarify the state Open Meetings Act to require public bodies that meet in closed session to hold any subsequent votes in open session. A copy of the bill's fiscal note is available here.

The bill had a hearing today in the House Judiciary Committee. No vote has yet been scheduled.

— Bryan P. Sears
chapter president

Welcome / Frederick County school board drags its feet

As president of the Maryland Pro Chapter of SPJ, I'd like to welcome you to the chapter's blog.

The goal is to use this blog to supplement the chapter Web site communicate effectively and regularly with you and other journalists who are not yet members of the society. We also want to hear from you.

This is a chance to talk back. Give us your feedback, your ideas, tell us your needs or share a story you're proud of or an issue you're having on the job.

As always, you can contact me at bpsears@gmail.com .

Now, onto something more interesting.

Those of you who know me are aware that I am very interested in issues involving access to government — specifically the Maryland Public Information Act and the Open Meeting Act.

Here's an interesting note from Sarah Breitenbach, Maryland Pro vice president and education reporter (and former state house reporter) for the Frederick News-Post.

Seems the Frederick County School Board is a little slow when it comes to fessing up on how much it spends to feed its school board.

It's a budget item. It's clearly a matter of public record.

And clearly the board is intent on delaying the release of the information. Just asking a reporter to file the request is proof. The Act covers the request of documents but does not cover getting answers to a question.

There is a difference between asking a question and wanting a document such as an invoice.

Breitenbach initially asked an employee for the total spent so far this year.

"It was for a notebook item," Breitenbach said. "It really was supposed to be a sentence which is why I thought I'd just call."

Her request ended up asking for a couple of years worth of figures but still just totals. This is something the school system's chief budget officer could have handled by calling the budget people and getting an answer.

It's certain to be in a computer somewhere even if they had to isolate it from a larger fund.

As an aside, it should be noted that had invoices been requested the Attorney General's Handbook on the Public Information Act recommends that government employees immediately turn over documents that are known to be public record.

— Bryan P. Sears
chapter president