Transparency implications of proposed legislation dominated the discussion at the Georgia First Amendment Foundation’s annual Legislative Breakfast on Jan. 23.
State Sen. Jen Jordan, state Rep. Josh McLaurin, Atlanta Journal-Constitution journalist James Salzer and First Amendment attorneys Tom Clyde and Peter Canfield examined issues emerging in the General Assembly session, including bills that would:
- Limit public access to criminal records
- Impose restrictions on journalists
- Require “truth-in-taxation” transparency
- Curb private companies’ control over access to public records
- Require all-party consent for recording non-public conversations
The lawmakers gave their take on the viability of these measures and offered behind-the-scenes perspectives on how business gets done under the Gold Dome.
The breakfast was held at the Georgia State University College of Law in downtown Atlanta. It was co-sponsored by student chapters of the American Constitution Society and the Black Law Students Association.
- Watch the Legislative Breakfast video to see what you missed and hear some great quotes.
- Go to GFAF’s Legislative Watch to track bills with an impact on your right to know.