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Committee approves bill to require public access to meetings and records of some education membership organizations
Summary
Senate Bill 145, which would require meetings and records of certain education membership organizations and associations that receive public funds to be open to the public, passed the committee 5–4 after lawmakers debated scope and vagueness.
The Senate committee voted 5–4 to pass Senate Bill 145, a measure requiring that meetings and records of education membership organizations and associations that are supported wholly or in part by public funds be open to the public "to the same extent as meetings and records of public or government entities."
Opponents said the bill is too broad and vague and could sweep in student groups, booster clubs and small volunteer organizations. Senator McCamey said the bill could capture groups including DECA, FFA and Business Professionals of America and complained the proposal amounts to "government overreach." Senator Morgeau called the measure "too vague and too open to interpretation."
Supporters said their intent is limited to groups that take public funds and where transparency is important. Miss Harden said the bill targets entities "supported in whole or in part directly or indirectly by public funds." Some members said local school boards and districts should address local complaints about meeting access, while others said if public funds are used, state‑level transparency standards are appropriate.
The committee recorded a roll call vote of 5 yes and 4 no. Chair Mansella said the bill will go to the committee of the whole for further consideration.
