by K B | Sep 18, 2024 | Attorneys, News
When a police officer stops a car, enters a private home, detains someone in public or otherwise acts for the first time in a matter of police business, that action is, under law, recorded in an initial police report. And that initial report is, under law, accessible...
by K B | Sep 10, 2024 | Events, News, Weltner Award
GFAF award celebrating open government, free speech will be presented Oct. 21. Freedom of information is at the heart of Sally Bethea’s environmental advocacy. As the first Chattahoochee Riverkeeper, Bethea relied on government records, meetings and proceedings...
by K B | Aug 13, 2024 | Attorneys, News
The high court’s Aug. 13 decision is a victory for government transparency in our state. The Supreme Court of Georgia has unanimously reaffirmed that Georgians have the right to demand public records from a government agency’s private contractors. The high...
by K B | May 14, 2024 | Uncategorized
The Georgia First Amendment Foundation is very disappointed in the University of Georgia’s decision to stop providing direct advocacy and representation to Georgia journalists and citizens asserting their rights under the state Open Records Act and Open Meetings...
by K B | Apr 30, 2024 | Attorneys, News
At issue: What is lawful public access to records held by individuals who are both contractors for and employees of a government agency? The Supreme Court of Georgia is reviewing a lower court ruling that, as it stands, diminishes Georgians’ power to seek public...
by K B | Apr 28, 2024 | News, Resources
ATLANTA – The Georgia First Amendment Foundation (“GFAF”) is concerned about law enforcement’s use of pepper balls and tear gas against protestors at Emory University and about reports of police interference with journalists covering the protests. Speech and assembly...
by K B | Mar 28, 2024 | Legislative Watch, News
By Jessica Cooper Lawmakers’ proposed amendment to Georgia’s First Offender Act would allow public officials who pled guilty of corruption to hide their criminal records from the public. The change is contained in House Bill 909, which mandates automatic sealing of...
by K B | Mar 27, 2024 | Legislative Watch, News
By Madi Blair In schools and society, social media plays a dual role as information repository and forum for expression. That’s why the wholesale school social media ban that Georgia lawmakers are proposing is so dangerous. It’s a censorship multiplier. Senate Bill...
by K B | Mar 17, 2024 | Legislative Watch, News
By Allyson Veile A bill pending in the Georgia Legislature would allow state and local construction projects valued under $250,000 to be contracted without competitive bidding. It would bring about one of the most significant changes to public contracting in Georgia...
by K B | Dec 28, 2023 | Uncategorized
A recent appellate court ruling significantly erodes Georgians’ power to seek public records from individuals and entities, including government employees and contractors working on behalf of government agencies. The Georgia First Amendment Foundation is supporting a...
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