Push To Make Open Meetings Law Even Stronger

by WAKA Action 8 News

Governor Bentley wants to make a law that allows open access to government meetings even stronger.

The state already has what’s called an open meetings law, but a new bill would make sure that it applies to lawmakers as well.

The new act would add several amendments to the state’s current law, making sure that you can see exactly what happens at the state house.

The governor says transparency is and always has been his goal.

Government agencies are already required to hold open meetings, letting regular citizens and the press attend. But the state supreme court ruled last year that it doesn’t apply to lawmakers at the state house.

The new bill’s sponsors say they feel that’s not what the original law intended.

It passed back in 2005, and not only applies to lawmakers, but to boards of education, county commissions, and other agencies.

“Any organization, any entity that is supported by taxpayer dollars, should always be open to the press and it should always be open to the people,” said Governor Bentley. 

But some aren’t so sure that the law will have much of an impact. State Senator Hank Sanders still thinks lawmakers violated the open meetings act last year when the school accountability act was passed. 

“The previous law did cover the legislature. We admitted it and we were practicing it until they violated it. So I don’t see how this law is going to make a real difference,” said Sen. Sanders.