Brechner News

The Joseph L. Brechner Freedom of Information Project at the University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications seeks a part-time contractor working remote to help coordinate national Sunshine Week and its accompanying Sunshine Fest conference in Washington, D.C.

Bloomberg News senior investigative reporter Jason Leopold said this week that if denied public records, always appeal. Leopold visited the University of Florida Monday to accept the 2026 Joseph L. Brechner Freedom of Information Award.

A proposed bill in Illinois would redefine public records to exclude what the legislator calls "junk mail." The bill defines junk mail as "any unsolicited commercial mail sent to a public body and not responded to by an official."

Police in the middle of official duties would have been exempted from accepting public records requests, if a proposed amendment had gone through to Florida's Right to Access law. The bill passed two committees but died in the judiciary committee last month.

Indiana passed a law making several changes to its Access to Public Records Act, including anti-scraping and anti-automation measures.

An Illinois lawmaker has put forth a bill, SB 1357, called "FOIA-ABUSE BY OFFICIAL" that is currently in committee. Michael Hastings, the sponsoring legislator, declined to comment on what prompted him to propose the bill that targets local officials misusing FOIA.

A bill in Connecticut would allow agencies to ignore threatening or harassing public record requests for up to three years. Senate Bill 466, titled “An Act Concerning Vexatious Requesters Under the Freedom of Information Act, passed out of committee a few weeks ago (on a 13-6 vote).

We mourn the loss of Diana Fuentes, executive director of Investigate Reporters and Editors, who served journalism and freedom of information selflessly and with passion.

New research from UF’s Brechner Project and Center for Public Interest Communications examines public attitudes, institutional trust, and what happens when FOI restrictions become personal

The Illinois Legislature has filed at least 22 bills this session dealing with vexatious requests, far more than any other state.

Jason Leopold of Bloomberg News wins the 2026 Brechner Freedom of Information Award for his brilliant use of the Freedom of Information Act and efforts to promote the public's right to know through a weekly newsletter and podcast.

Idaho considering resolution system similar to Ohio's small-claims "FOI Court," but the $100 filing fee is a little high for average people, in our opinion.