A measure significantly modifying Kentucky’s Open Records Act passed out of the Senate Thursday. Bill Sponsor Robby Mills said it attempts to help public agencies deal with a growing number of requests for information but doesn’t close off public access.
Lawrenceburg Senator Adrienne Southworth challenged changes to legislative open records provisions. She said two female members of the House had their faces punched out of a paper seating chart. Southworth said the two had voted against the open records bill. The first term senator views that as a reason to maintain judicial oversight.
“I have great concern that the public is not going to be able to trust this body when they have no way to check on what’s going on, other than our word,” said Southworth.
In casting his yes vote, Senate President Robert Stivers responded to Southworth’s concern. He said an assumption was being made a lawmaker had defaced the seating chart. Stivers said many people have access and keys to capitol facilities.
Southworth also said members are reminded from time to time about a legislative bribery scandal in the early 1990’s. She said that’s a reason to not make this change. In casting his aye vote, Senate President Robert Stivers said the general assembly has had a clean record. “We are on the same footing. This chamber has had a good record of conduct for the 25 years I’ve been here and the last ten and a half as Senate president,” said Stivers.
The original bill, which prohibited out of state media outlets to make open record requests, was modified to delete that provision. It does extend the time an agency must respond to such a request from three to five days.
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