CCFOI strongly supports HB 6882, which is nearly identical to proposals that have been introduced for several years and repeatedly approved by the GAE Committee. However, this uncontroversial bill has died on the calendar for reasons unknown. This bill clarifies language in the state’s FOI Act and makes important updates, such as allowing mobile phones to be used as scanners.
HB 6882, AN ACT IMPLEMENTING THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION COMMISSION FOR REVISIONS TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT
Committee on Government Oversight
February 13, 2025
Good afternoon Sen. Gadkar-Wilcox, Rep. Dathan, Ranking Members Sampson and Carney and Honorable Members of the Committee on Government Oversight:
My name is Michele Jacklin and I am co-president of the Connecticut Council on Freedom of Information (CCFOI). We are a 70-year-old organization comprised of CT news media outlets and First Amendment supporters. Our mission is to advocate and promote government transparency, public access, a strong Freedom of Information law and other measures that guarantee the rights of individuals and journalists under the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and the state Constitution.
CCFOI strongly supports HB 6882, which is nearly identical to proposals that have been introduced for several years and repeatedly approved by the GAE Committee. However, this uncontroversial bill has died on the calendar for reasons unknown. The bill would mostly clarify statutory language, some of which is irrelevant to the mission of the Freedom of Information Commission (FOIC). For example, state law currently requires the FOIC to conduct training on smoking and vaping in public buildings.
Two sections of the bill (4 and 8) are especially worthy of your attention. Section 4 would bring CT into the 21st century by expanding the definition of hand-held scanner to include mobile phones and cameras. It’s just common sense since nearly all adults nowadays have cellphones and/or cameras. It would make it much easier for citizens to use such devices to copy public records. And it would free up local staff from having to make copies. It’s a win-win proposition.
Lastly, Section 8 would allow public agencies to send special meeting notices to members electronically rather than delivering them in person. This omission occurred in 2021 when the General Assembly approved a broadly written law regarding the electronic transmission of certain documents.
Thank you for your consideration.
Respectfully,
Michele Jacklin, CCFOI Co-President