From SPJ FOIA Guy Joel Campbell:
HB166, which would have required that public meeting minutes be available within 14 days, has now been substituted with language that requires the minutes to be public within 14 days. However, until the public body approves them they would be a “protected draft” under GRAMA. Initially the bill was a good thing, but the new language makes it worse than the status quo in many areas. I am aware of many areas where the minutes are available soon after the meeting. As a journalist and citizen these are valuable resources. With this change, public officials would have an official excuse to withhold minutes. If only minutes are taken and no recording is made, the public might have to wait at least 14 days before they could find out what happened. The bill is sponsored by Rep. Mel Brown.
Read the entire bill at: http://le.utah.gov/~2008/bills/hbillint/HB0166S01.htm
This was passed out of committee and heads to the House floor. We need to call or e-mail our representatives.
Thanks,
Joel
Utah SPJ 