Commission OKs open government suggestions
TALLAHASSEE (AP) – The public would have greater access to government e-mails and officials would be banned from using text and instant messages to get around open meeting law requirements under recommendations to be given to Gov. Charlie Crist this week.
The Commission on Open Government Reform unanimously voted Monday to approve a nearly 200-page report on how to make government and records more accessible. It includes several sections on dealing with electronic records.
Among them are requiring government employees to disclose any public records stored on personal computers or transmitted through personal e-mail accounts. It also would require agencies to adopt policies prohibiting employees from using text and instant messages to discuss public business during public meetings or hearings.
The commission also suggests ways of making e-mail records more accessible and affordable.