Newsflash: Rockweed Not a Fish
On Monday, June 5, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy signed Senate Bill 2930/Assembly Bill 4045 into law, modifying the process of requesting and obtaining public records, and significantly altering the rights of those who...more
The ability to obtain public records in New Jersey is about to undergo a massive overhaul. A new bill, S2930, (the “Reform Bill”) was signed into law by New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy on June 5, 2024, and has the potential...more
The clash between the public's “right to know” and the interest of parties in keeping information from the public is a recurring issue. This program will give an overview of “both sides” and will examine, among other things,...more
In denying Petitioner Medivis, Inc.’s (“Medivis”) Request for Rehearing of the Patent Trial and Appeal Board’s (“PTAB”) Final Written Decision (“FWD”) in Medivis, Inc. v. Novarad Corp. inter partes review, the PTAB found that...more
One of the many worries that I have as a school attorney is when school board members use their e-mail account to discuss board business. As you may know, such conduct can run afoul of Connecticut’s Freedom of Information...more
Police Drone Footage Only Exempt From Disclosure - In Some Circumstances The California Supreme Court recently denied the City of Chula Vista’s Petition for Review in Castañares v. Superior Court (Dec. 2023) 98 Cal.App.5th...more
(This is the fifth and final blog in a five-part series on streamlining public records request response.) When starting the journey in changing your processes around managing these requests, it can be like a hiker...more
(This is the fourth blog in a five-part series on streamlining public records request response.) Managing Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) or similar public records requests in State or Local government agencies is a...more
When it comes to managing FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) and similar public records requests, resourcing your team effectively is crucial. Even with a small team, you can achieve a lot by appointing an expert internally...more
The number of public records requests filed each year is on the rise, presenting a significant challenge for government agencies. One of the core obstacles faced by these agencies is the tight timing constraints imposed by...more
Congratulations on your election to the board of education and thank you for volunteering your time to your community. As you begin to embark on your board journey you will unfortunately, find that way too much of your time...more
The Civil Procedure Rules Committee is consulting on a proposed draft amendment to Civil Procedure Rule (CPR) 5.4, which would allow significantly increased public access to documents with potentially far-reaching impacts....more
The Illinois Public Access Counselor (PAC) issued a binding opinion, finding a school board violated the Open Meetings Act (OMA) when it improperly discussed school curriculum during closed session....more
The Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB or Board) has denied institution of a petition for inter partes review (IPR) because the petitioner failed to show that its primary asserted prior reference, available through the...more
In Rhode Island, public access advocates, as well as local and state officials, continue efforts to secure access for the public to and along the shore. My August post, “How About a Walk on the Beach,” summarized the history...more
Early this year, the Illinois Appellate Court issued an opinion responding to challenges asserted under the Open Meetings Act (OMA) and the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). The Appellate Court held that the Village of Oak...more
Much to the dismay of many small businesses, the U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday dismissed its review of a case that could have limited high-volume lawsuits against entities alleged to have violated public accommodation...more
The 29 September 2023 Decree of the Ministry of Enterprise and Made in Italy (the Provision) finally implementing the Register of Ultimate Beneficial Owners (the UBO Register), as required by Legislative Decree 231/2007 (the...more
As the summer (and your vacation) becomes a distant memory, and the days get shorter and colder, I’ll bet you have had passing thoughts about changes to Connecticut’s Freedom of Information Act’s (“FOIA”), especially in light...more
On October 10, 2023, the Indiana Supreme Court denied a landowner’s petition to transfer filed in the matter of State of Indiana v. The Market Place at State Road 37, LLC, et al., 22A-PL-2765 (May 17, 2023), and as a result,...more
In a recent binding opinion, the PAC found a public body in violation of the Open Meetings Act (OMA) for restricting the content of public comment where a member of the public attempted to discuss the District’s hiring...more
The Illinois Public Access Counselor (PAC) recently issued two non-binding opinions concerning the applicability of Open Meetings Act (OMA) requirements to board committees....more
The Illinois Appellate Court recently ruled that the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) does not obligate a public body to produce records that it does not already maintain in response to a FOIA request. Further, the Court...more
The Minnesota Supreme Court earlier this month rebuffed the state legislature's efforts to hide records of eviction proceedings from public access. In its August 8 order (ADM10-8050), the Court through Chief Justice Lorie...more
August. Dog days of summer. And also the best time to take a relaxing stroll along the beach. But where? Public beaches are often still crammed if you can find a place to park. But many of us know of a public access path to...more