GOVERNMENT OPENNESS TASK FORCE TO MEET IN CHAMBERLAIN
(Pierre) – Attorney General Larry Long announced today that the 9th meeting of the Government Openness Task Force will be held in Chamberlain on Tuesday, September 30 at 11:30am at the AmericInn.
Members of the task force will discuss three different issues pertaining to open government. One issue is access to information regarding criminal investigations. Attorney General Long stated that “there is a tension between the public interest in knowing what kinds of issues are occurring in the communities in South Dakota, and at the same time, making sure that information isn’t released that would jeopardize prosecutions or the defendant’s right to a fair trial. The task force is analyzing those concerns and attempting to develop legislation that will appropriately accommodate those concerns.”
Another issue to be addressed is whether additional changes should be made to the “gag law.” This is the law that was enacted in 1996 that bans state agencies from discussing pending investigations. The task force will also converse open meeting issues.
The meeting is open to the public and Attorney General Long encourages those who are interested to attend. If you would like additional information about the task force visit the website at www.state.sd.us/atg.
