North Carolina legislators today filed bills aimed at amending the state constitution to protect the public's right to know.
The amendment, filed in the House with a Senate version expected soon, would guarantee that every person has the right to inspect and copy public records, and attend all public body meetings, except as exempted by the General Assembly. It also would require a two-thirds “supermajority” vote of the each chamber to pass any bill that would reduce the current level of access to public records and meetings.
Principal House co-sponsors are Reps. Stephen A. LaRoque, R-Kinston, and Tim Moore, R-Kings Mountain. Sen. Debbie A. Clary, R-Shelby, is expected to file a companion bill.
Once the measure clears both chambers, it could go on the statewide ballot as early as 2012. Hearings will be scheduled. Under state law, only the North Carolina General Assembly can place a Constitutional Amendment on the ballot. Amendments cannot be added to the ballot by petition.
North Carolina Press Association Executive Director Beth Grace announced the filings on behalf of the 200-member trade association that advocates for daily and community newspapers statewide.
“This is a victory for the public and for newspapers in North Carolina, which have worked toward placing an amendment on the ballot for many years,” she said. “If this passes, the public will be guaranteed its rights and will be protected from any efforts to keep the business of government from the people.”
John Bussian, the NCPA’s legislative liaison and First Amendment counsel, praised the sponsors for stepping up without hesitation in support of openness.
“We applaud these lawmakers for their dedication to taking open government to the highest ground possible in this state,” Bussian said. “This, quite simply, is good government at its best.”
Other states – most notably California and Florida – have passed similar amendments.
Grace said the NCPA will put the full support of its membership behind the amendment and will place public service advertising in print newspapers and online through its subsidiary, North Carolina Press Services, in support to educate the public in advance of a statewide vote.