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PUBLIC BODIES BREAKING THE LAW IN THE NAME OF THE PANDEMIC
Beth Soja [email protected] If you are covering a public body that has resumed meeting in person but is forcing you to participate remotely, they are breaking the law. Over the past year, the pandemic undeniably has changed the way citizens interact with public bodies and public officials. We have heard of public buildings that are…
Read MoreIf lawmakers get their way, police video wouldn’t be public record
The Gaston Gazette is now reporting on a bill in the state legislature that would categorize police video as a record of a criminal investigation, which means it would not be a public record. Our site previously posted about coverage of the same bill in the News & Observer. The bill, which had then just passed…
Read MoreBuncombe County commissioners vote to approve confidentiality agreement in contravention of public records law
The Asheville Citizen-Times has reported a decision by four Buncombe county commissioners to sign a nondisclosure agreement as part of efforts to land an employer. The agreement prevents signatories from revealing details about the company’s operations. The Citizen-Times quotes SMVT attorney Amanda Martin for her reaction: …elected officials already have a layer of confidentiality required under…
Read MorePolice body-cam video would not be public record under NC bill
The News & Observer has reported on a bill proposing changes to the state’s treatment of boy and dash camera records. House Bill 713, which passed 115-2 last week, would restrict public access to the cameras. Under the proposed law, proposed by Rep. John Faircloth, a law enforcement agency would have discretion to release recordings if they…
Read MoreFBI refuses to release information on “feminine hygiene product” Patrick Cannon used as pretext to accept bribe
WFAE has reported that the FBI has refused to release information about a “feminine hygiene product” former Charlotte mayor Patrick Cannon claimed to want to develop. The product was used as a pretext to accept a bribe from an undercover FBI agent, leading to Cannons indictment on corruption charges. WFAE requested records related to the product,…
Read MoreFayetteville police refuse to release police dash cam video of officer-involved shooting
The Fayetteville Observer has reported that the Fayetteville police have refused to release a police dashboard camera video that may have captured an officer shooting a man as he fled in 2013. The article discusses the public records law and its application to dash cameras. SMVT attorney Amanda Martin is quoted: Amanda Martin, the lawyer for…
Read MoreMore taxpayer accountability needed for charters
The Asheville Citizen-Times writes that charter schools in North Carolina, while intended to be free from some regulation, should be required to open their records to scrutiny from taxpayers. The Citizen-Times quotes SMVT attorney Mike Tadych: Mike Tadych, an attorney with the N.C. Press Association, wants more disclosure. “In my view, any invoicing and records…
Read MoreCharlotte lawsuit pits reality TV feud against freedom of speech
The Charlotte Observer has reported on a lawsuit between a reality TV show personality and his critics (some of whom are also on television). The article explains that the judge is expected to “ban future Facebook postings attacking” the plaintiff’s military record until the trial has concluded. The usual avenue for redress in a libel case…
Read MoreN.C. law doesn’t require schools run by for-profit firms to account for all taxpayer dollars
The Charlotte Observer has reported on the disparity in financial record disclosure between public schools and charter schools run by for-profit firms. The article explains that public school districts must account for every dollar they spend while charter schools operated by for-profit companies often do not. The article quotes SMVT attorney Mike Tadych on the…
Read MoreFBI shows Patrick Cannon investigation video to public class
The Charlotte Observer reports that FBI officials showed confidential surveillance videos from their investigation of former Mayor Patrick Cannon to a community workshop. The article says that during the FBI’s annual “citizens academy,” officials showed four pieces of undercover surveillance video to more than 20 participants, including at least two reporters. The Observer quotes SMVT attorney Amanda…
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