RALEIGH – Rep. Stephen LaRoque, R- Lenoir, co-sponsored a bill to amend the state constitution and protect the right to access public records.
The bill does not affect any of the current laws governing what government records and meetings are open to the public. It would require the General Assembly pass a much higher burden to restrict access in the future. Specifically, both chambers in the legislature would have approve new restrictions by a three-fifths majority.
If the bill passes the General Assembly this session, it will be on the ballot in 2012. Voters must give final approval of constitutional amendments.