News
Wake school board security policy may violate the law
WRAL reports on changes to Wake County Schools’ security policy for its meetings. Now, meetings will require attendees show identification and submit to a simplified background check before entering the meeting. The article quotes SMVT attorney Mike Tadych, and suggests…
Read MoreHundreds of secret WNC county meetings, with few details released
The Asheville Citizen Times reports on an investigation by Carolina Public Press into how often county commissioners in North Carolina’s western counties went into closed session last year. The article quotes SMVT attorney Amanda Martin: “I get called with some frequency”…
Read MoreNC policies on government emails hard to police, lead to delays in public access
In the wake of Hillary Clinton’s now-famous use of her personal email address for official business while Secretary of State, WRAL has investigated North Carolina’s laws on public employee emails. Federal and state law are similar: public business on private…
Read MoreMarion police to get body cameras
The Marion, North Carolina, Police Department plans to equip each officer with a body camera, the McDowell News reports. The story quotes SMVT attorney Amanda Martin on whether the recordings from the cameras are public records: Body camera footage and…
Read MoreHugh Stevens to speak on panel at Open Government Coalition Sunshine Day
SMVT partner Hugh Stevens will speak at The North Carolina Open Government Coalition’s annual Sunshine Day event on March 16 in Durham. The event will be held at the Durham Convention Center. Anyone can register to attend for $30 per person or $45…
Read MoreUNC governors vote to close 3 university-based centers
Amid student protests and faculty dissent, the UNC Board of Governors voted to close three centers, including the The Center on Work, Poverty and Opportunity at UNC-Chapel Hill. The News & Observer reported on the vote and the opposition. The Board,…
Read MoreRobeson County vote on Project Apple may not have complied with state meetings law
The Fayetteville Observer is reporting that the Robeson County Board of Commissioners voted to offer 75 percent tax relief for a four-year period for “Project Apple,” but refused to disclose the party behind the project. The article quotes SMVT attorney Amanda Martin…
Read MoreUNC’s expensive outside counsel criticized
The Daily Tar Heel has published an article on criticism of UNC-Chapel Hill’s decision to hire an expensive, New York City-based law firm. The firm was hired to assist with representation in a public records lawsuit filed by SMVT on…
Read MoreBig changes in music licensing possible
The Hollywood Reporter reports on proposed changes in music licenses put out by the U.S. Copyright office. The music licensing regime has long been considered one that does not adequately fit the needs of the modern industry. It is outdated,…
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