Editor's Note

The FOI Advocate is a compendium of ideas, edited story excerpts and other materials from a variety of Web sites, as well as original concepts and analysis. When the information comes directly from another source, it will be attributed and a link will be provided whenever possible. The blog relies on the accuracy and integrity of the original sources cited. We will correct errors and inaccuracies when we become aware of them.

Monday, March 24, 2008

Somebody Has Been Watching Too Much Crime Drama On TV?

The Department of Environmental Protection fears unhinged hunters might use the Freedom of Information Act to track down state conservation officers at home.

The department's safety concerns convinced the legislature's Environment Committee to back legislation blocking the release of the home addresses of conservation officers.

The Freedom of Information Commission opposes the bill, but not because the commission objects to the DEP's request for confidentiality.

Rather, the commission finds the proposed exemption too narrow. It wants to include all public officials and government employees in Connecticut. The only exceptions would be elected officeholders.

More here.

The proposed change would significantly narrow the amount of information available through the FOI Act. It also would depart from the past practice of carving out exceptions case by case.

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