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US: Open-Records Group Approves Ombudsman, Training |
| Source: |
sltrib.com |
| Source Date: |
Wednesday, May 11, 2011 |
| Focus: |
ICT for MDGs
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| Country: |
United States |
| Created: |
May 12, 2011 |
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A lot of ideas are still in flux, but one has gained consensus: More education would help requesters, responders and government officials alike understand how Utah’s Government Records Access and Management Act works.
Two different subcommittees of the GRAMA Working Group are recommending that lawmakers require record officers and other employees who handle requests to go through an annual certification program about the law’s provisions.
That training, said Rep. Brian King, D-Salt Lake, would ensure legislators "have information about how GRAMA, as it currently exists, works."
Likewise, it might reassure records officers and others who routinely handle requests that they are making the right decisions, group members said.
There also needs to be a better way to educate the public about what records are available, what limitations there is on information and how to access records, said Mark Johnson, director of management services for Ogden and a working group member.
The GRAMA Working Group, appointed by legislative leadership, is reviewing ways to improve the state’s open records law following a public uproar over now-repealed HB 477.
The group has divided philosophically into two camps on the issues of classifying records and providing access to them.
In one camp: technocrats and media who want up-front decisions about what’s public and all those records made available online, at no charge; in the other, government officials who are concerned about the practicality and cost of putting all public records online, especially when so few records routinely attract public interest.
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US: Open-Records Group Approves Ombudsman, Training A lot of ideas are still in flux but one has gained consensus More education would help requesters responders and government officials alike understand how Utah’s Government Records Access and Management Act works
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