Brechner Freedom of Information Project

Brechner FOI Project to lead national Sunshine Week: https://bit.ly/3uUXUtw

A recent Department of Labor memo warns employees that unauthorized communications, including with journalists, could result in disciplinary or criminal consequences. The memo references the Freedom of Information Act, which is designed to give the public access to government records. From ProPublica: https://lnkd.in/eS649D_4

Researchers at Northeastern University have developed a method to preserve newspaper photo archives. In a test with the Boston Globe, they used machine learning to digitize, tag, and organize decades of images—identifying photographers, estimating dates, and addressing privacy and copyright concerns. The study highlights how technology can support the long-term preservation of local journalism and visual history. https://lnkd.in/e75smjzn

#Colorado lawmakers will consider overriding Gov. Jared Polis’ veto of Senate Bill 77, marking the first override attempt by the Legislature during his administration. SB77 proposes changes to the state’s open records law, including extended response times for profit-driven requests and prioritized access for journalists. The bill originally passed with more than a two-thirds majority in both chambers. Read Polis' veto letter, citing concerns about fairness and access, here: https://lnkd.in/e2WxqXQj

The April edition of The Brechner Report dropped last week—did you miss it? 📬 Subscribe to get it straight to your inbox every month. 📚 Explore past issues going back to 1970 on the Brechner website. https://lnkd.in/e7NVYSie

West Virginia House Bill 3412, which proposed several changes to the state’s Freedom of Information Act, did not advance before the end of the legislative session. The bill passed the Senate on April 11 but did not receive a response from the House in time. The bill would have extended FOI response times from five to 14 days, allowed agencies to charge search and retrieval fees, and removed the requirement for laws to be “liberally construed in favor of disclosure.” It also shifted the burden of proof in court challenges from agencies to requesters. https://lnkd.in/e67tRMv5

The Center for Biological Diversity filed suit against the Departments of the Interior, Commerce, Agriculture (Forest Service), and the EPA for failing to release documents related to Trump administration plans to ease environmental regulations for the fossil fuel industry. The lawsuit, filed April 16 in federal court, says the agencies have not responded to requests submitted under federal FOIA in February. https://lnkd.in/eStr34yi

The National FOIA Hall of Fame is back, now under the leadership of the Brechner Freedom of Information Project at the University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications. Originally launched in 1996, the Hall of Fame honors individuals who have significantly advanced government transparency and accountability. The next class will be inducted during Sunshine Fest in March 2026 in Washington, D.C. Nominations are open through Sept. 1, 2025. Learn more and submit here: https://lnkd.in/ebijAdzN

FOI Tip: Looking to navigate public records laws across states? Check out the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press comprehensive state-by-state guide. It includes a handy compare function to help you easily compare law elements across states. https://lnkd.in/ggPH5k-J

A new study in the Journal of Public Administration Research and Theory finds that regulatory agencies with enforcement powers, like hefty fines, may see slightly more public trust, especially among those who initially have little faith in the agency. Could independent commissions with similar powers build trust in the public records process? https://lnkd.in/e67yMgpe