Brechner News

A study published in the Lincoln Memorial University Law Review argues that expunging felony and misdemeanor conviction records has societal benefits with "minimal side effects."

The Montana Supreme Court has ruled 4-3 that Gov. Greg Gianforte may withhold certain documents from the public, including those related to policy development and internal deliberations.

A study recently published in the Journal of Mathematics Instruction, Social Research and Opinion found that while 92% residents in Budhanilkantha, Nepal, understood the importance of transparency in creating good government, only a quarter sought information from the government. 

In a new lawsuit, a former high-profile Utah State employee alleges that two of his ex-bosses have been engaging in conversations on a messaging app that automatically deletes texts, to subvert the state’s open record laws.

A study published in Government Information Quarterly recently noted that government institutions should post open records data online in more digestible ways to avoid turning citizens off. 

Some topics might include the latest technologies to improve searches/redactions (e.g., AI), how to handle voluminous requests, educating the public, effective dispute resolution outside of litigation, funding freedom of information, and research needs. 

MuckRock and the Joseph L. Brechner Freedom of Information Project are teaming up to launch a contest to celebrate Sunshine Fest 2025 in conjunction with Sunshine Week, which takes place March 16-22, 2025. We're on the hunt for the best logos and slogans that promote freedom of information—something creative that can emblazon merchandise for this national event! 

The growing use of chat apps like Google Chat by school districts across the U.S. is raising concerns about transparency and public access to government meetings and records. 

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the landmark 1974 amendments to the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), a landmark law that guarantees public access to federal government records.  

Restricting access to home addresses in public records hinders journalists’ ability to verify facts and hold officials in positions of power accountable, according to a study in the latest edition of the Journal of Civic Information published by the Joseph L. Brechner Freedom of Information Project. 

To celebrate the 20th anniversary of Sunshine Week and identify solutions to the most pressing problems in government transparency, the Joseph L. Brechner Freedom of Information Project at the University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications is coordinating the first in-person “Sunshine Fest” March 19-20, 2025, in Washington, D.C. 

Michigan lawmakers are working to expand the state’s Freedom of Information Act to include the governor’s office and state legislators, a move advocates say would strengthen government transparency and accountability.