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Bill

A 834

Creates the fundamental right of the people to have access to public information

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Noah Burroughs and 3 co-sponsors

Bill A 834 establishes a fundamental right for citizens to access public information, enhancing government transparency and accountability while empowering civic engagement.

OPINION REFERRED TO JUDICIARY
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · A 834

Summary of Bill A 834

Bill Overview

  • Bill Number: A 834
  • Title: Creates the fundamental right of the people to have access to public information
  • Status: Opinion referred to Judiciary
  • Introduced: January 08, 2025
  • Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

Bill A 834 aims to establish a fundamental right for individuals to access public information. This legislation seeks to enhance transparency and accountability in government operations by ensuring that citizens can obtain information regarding government activities, decisions, and records.

Key Provisions

  • Right to Access: The bill explicitly states that all individuals have the right to access public information held by government entities.
  • Government Obligations: It mandates that government agencies must provide timely access to public records and information, thereby reducing barriers that may prevent citizens from obtaining such information.
  • Enforcement Mechanism: The bill may include provisions for individuals to challenge denials of access to information, ensuring that there are legal avenues for enforcing this right.

Affected Parties

  • General Public: Citizens will benefit from increased access to information, promoting civic engagement and informed decision-making.
  • Government Agencies: Various governmental bodies will be required to adapt their practices to comply with the new access requirements, potentially necessitating training and resource allocation.
  • Legal System: Courts may see an increase in cases related to access disputes, as individuals seek to enforce their rights under this legislation.

Legislative Actions

  • January 08, 2025: Bill A 834 was introduced and referred to the Governmental Operations committee for initial review.
  • January 09, 2025: The bill was sent to the Attorney General for an opinion on its legal implications and potential impacts.
  • January 29, 2025: The bill was referred to the Judiciary committee for further consideration, indicating that it is undergoing a thorough review process.

Related Bills

  • A 6043 (prior-session): A previous bill that may have addressed similar issues regarding public access to information.
  • A 4429 (prior-session): Another related bill from a prior session that could provide context or background on legislative efforts in this area.
  • S 2512 (companion): A companion bill in the Senate that may parallel the provisions of A 834, indicating bipartisan interest in enhancing public access to information.

Conclusion

Bill A 834 represents a significant step towards reinforcing the public's right to access government information. By establishing this fundamental right, the bill aims to foster greater transparency and accountability within government operations, ultimately empowering citizens and enhancing democratic participation. As the bill progresses through the legislative process, its implications for both the public and government agencies will become clearer.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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