Public Records Remain Open

The Wyoming Senate yesterday rejected a push to restrict public access to information from state agencies and local governments, and stripped an amendment sponsored by Senator Bruce Burns of Sheridan that would have limited access to information used by public officials to make decisions.  Teton County Senator Leland Christiansen was among those who fought to have the amendment removed.  Christiansen says two amendments that would have compromised an open public process were removed on third reading and the measure is now on its way to the House. The bill as passed refines the definition of public documents to include electronic documents and requires records custodians to respond to inspection requests within seven days. That bill now moves to the House for consideration there.  Meanwhile, Christiansen says the Wolf Management bill passed on first reading yesterday with some minor amendments requested by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department.  Those amendments clarify the classifications in areas involving Grand Teton National park and the Elk Refuge. The bill passed unanimously.