03/12/06

By the numbers: How states are changing the public's access to government information

B y The Associated Press

A look at the numbers from an Associated Press analysis of public information laws in all 50 states. AP reporters tallied proposals and laws since Sept. 11, 2001, that sought to change the public's access to government information and meetings:

Bills proposed: 3,505.

New laws passed: 1,023.

Laws that restricted public access to government information: 616.

Laws that loosened access: 284.

Laws that were neutral or mixed: 123.

State with the most new laws: California, 122 new laws -- 66 restricted access and 56 loosened access.

States with the fewest new laws: Both Kentucky and Wisconsin had only one new law -- both restricted access.