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Reporting collaboration reveals complicated system behind public record disputes

This Sunshine Week, a joint reporting project from AP and CNHI News finds a prohibitive system behind public record requests.

Together the organizations examined procedures in place for resolving open government complaints in all 50 states.

They found that in most states, residents’ only meaningful option for resolving complaints about agencies wrongfully withholding public records is to file a lawsuit. Fewer than a third of states have offices that can resolve complaints by forcing agencies to turn over documents or comply with open meetings requirements.

An email from July 10, 2018, with the syllabus about Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch teaching an upcoming law class in Italy is photographed, July 10, 2023. An AP examination of the ethics practices of the U.S. Supreme Court relied on documents obtained from more than 100 public records requests to public colleges, universities and other institutions that have hosted the justices over the past decade. (AP Photo/Jon Elswick)

“Public records are becoming increasingly difficult for citizens and journalists to access. This review lays bare the many obstacles to government transparency, and offers AP member news organizations and customers an opportunity to localize a story of broad significance,” said AP’s U.S. News Director Josh Hoffner. “The collaboration is a great example of how news organizations can work together to shine a light on problems while serving both national and local audiences.”

In addition to a text story, photos and an interactive graphic, AP also released a “Localize It” guide, helping hundreds of local newsrooms across the U.S. quickly tailor the reporting for their audiences.

This is the second joint reporting project from AP and CNHI. Earlier this year, they reported on increased secrecy at the local government level.

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