The South Carolina House is considering two bills that could change the way South Carolina citizens get information from police and their local and state governments. Freedom of Information Act experts are in favor of the first bill, the “FOI Bill”, which would reduce administrative and copying cost for records by banning public agencies from charging more than fair market rates for copies. However, they are against the second bill, the “Law Enforcement Bill”, which would allow police agencies to withhold information from the public. There have already been multiple cases of police agencies withholding information and experts fear that this bill will only make these cases legal. Those in favor argue that the bill is needed to protect crime witnesses and victims.
Take a look at the link below. Let us know if you think there will be a significant impact with these new bills put in place.
