North Carolina Group Seeks Budget Process Reform, Emphasizes Public Input

Recent legislative efforts in several states are prompting debates over public access to government records and transparency. In Iowa, lawmakers passed a bill increasing fines for violations of open meetings and records laws, mandating training for public officials, and restricting access to certain Capitol security information to enhance safety, though some raised concerns about the necessity of these restrictions. Meanwhile, North Carolina's Senate is advancing a budget process criticized by democracy advocates for its lack of transparency and opportunities for public input, with calls for more open committee meetings and public hearings. In Ohio, proposed budget changes would delay or in some cases indefinitely block public access to investigative police reports and prosecutor notes, sparking concerns from innocence advocates about the potential impact on uncovering wrongful convictions. Supporters argue the Ohio changes are needed to protect victims and the integrity of cases, but critics worry about the law's vague language and the risks to transparency and accountability. Across these states, the balance between transparency, security, and privacy remains a contentious issue as lawmakers consider reforms.