Sunshine Law

Florida School Board Violated Open Meetings Sunshine Law to Sue PINAC’s Jeff Gray

A Florida School Board and its lawyer announced that they’ve violated the state’s constitution’s “Sunshine Law” requiring open meetings, by making the decision to file a SLAPP lawsuit against PINAC’s Jeff Gray for reporting about school bus safety violations.
The St. Johns County School District swore in court documents that filed suit without a public hearing or notice, and it’s attorney admitted publicly this week polling elected school board officials in advance of any possible hearing.

Florida Legislature Votes to Gut Sunshine Law; Bill Would End Open Records Access Advocacy

Florida’s famous Sunshine Law is under attack in the state legislature today as a state House Committee has already voted to eliminate the provision that guarantees government agencies must pay citizens’  attorney fees when public records are illegally withheld.
Its companion measure, Florida State Senate Bill 1220, passed in committee today with a 3-0 vote and two abstentions.

Chicago Tribune Sues Mayor Emanuel for Refusing to Release Private Emails About Corrupt Red Light System

The Chicago Tribune is suing Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel for not complying with public records requests after the mayor refused to release communications about city business conducted through private emails and text messages.
The lawsuit states that the mayor uses private phones and private emails to conduct city business as a way to avoid the public release of his city related correspondences and activity.