GOVERNOR CRIST ANNOUNCES NEW INITIATIVES FOR OPEN GOVERNMENT
November 15, 2007
Contact:
GOVERNOR'S PRESS OFFICE
(850) 488-5394
TALLAHASSEE – Governor Crist today announced two new open government initiatives that will improve Floridians’ ability to access public documents and meetings. The first initiative involves a Bill of Rights for all Floridians trying to access public records. The list of rights was compiled by the Commission on Open Government, established by the Governor on June 19, 2007, by Executive Order 07-107. The second initiative involves improving Internet access to state agency contact information.
“These initiatives are just one more way we are working to create a more open government for the people of Florida, our boss,” said Governor Crist. “Our goal is to increase access for all Floridians so they have the tools needed to hold government accountable. By creating a culture that fosters public trust and confidence, we become a government truly operating in the sunshine.”
At the Commission on Open Government’s first meeting on August 22 and 23, 2007, public testimony revealed common issues citizens have encountered when trying to obtain public records. In response, the Governor initiated the Open Government Bill of Rights, which facilitates easier access to public meetings and documents, and encourages agencies to exhibit greater respect when interacting with citizens. The Governor signed the Bill of Rights into effect through Executive Order 07-242.
The executive order requires all state agencies to adopt an Open Government Bill of Rights to protect citizens’ access rights to public records. The executive order calls for each agency to post its Bill of Rights in a clear place on its website and in its headquarters. It must contain statements that make the process of making a records request clearer, such as a reminder that requests do not have to be made in writing, and a statement highlighting the public’s right to respect.
The second initiative introduced by the Governor relates to Internet access to state agency information. Agencies under the Governor’s purview have created direct links from their individual homepages to a website that directs users on how to make a public records request or learn more about Florida’s open government laws. These new websites will also include organization charts, open government contacts, budget information, contracts with vendors and providers, legislative budget requests and legislative priorities.
In his first Executive Order issued on January 3, 2007, Governor Crist established the Office of Open Government and charged it with providing the Governor’s Office and all state agencies the tools necessary to serve the people of Florida in a professional and efficient manner. The executive order also instituted the Plain Language Initiative to ensure all announcements, publications and other documents sent by the Governor’s Office or state agencies contained clear and concise instructions and information.
For a list of all state agency open government websites, please visit http://www.flgov.com/og_agency_ogpages
STATE OF FLORIDA
OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
EXECUTIVE ORDER NUMBER 07-242
WHEREAS, an open and accessible government is the key to establishing and maintaining the people’s trust and confidence in their government and its ability to effectively serve its citizens; and
WHEREAS, the state of Florida has a long history of providing public access to the records and meetings of public entities; and
WHEREAS, Florida must continually strive to be a national leader in open government reform; and
WHEREAS, on June 19, 2007, by Executive Order 07-107, I created the Commission on Open Government to review, evaluate, and issue recommendations regarding Florida’s public records and public meetings laws; and
WHEREAS, the Commission on Open Government met on August 22-23, 2007 and received public testimony requesting the need for greater ease of access to public meetings and documents, the need to increase the respect with which our government agencies interact with our citizens, and create a culture which will build the people’s trust and confidence in their government and its ability to serve the people;
WHEREAS, streamlining and clarifying applicable laws and policies will result in making government more open, accessible, and accountable to its citizens; and
NOW, THEREFORE, I, CHARLIE CRIST, as Governor of Florida, by virtue of the authority vested in me by Article IV, Section (1)(a) of the Florida Constitution, and all other applicable laws, promulgate the following Executive Order, to take immediate effect:
Section 1.
All agencies under the direction of the Governor shall adopt an Open Government Bill of Rights to guarantee that the right of access to public meetings and records is safeguarded and protected. This Bill of Rights shall be conspicuously posted on the agency’s website and at the agency’s headquarters. It shall include the following provisions:
A. A statement that the public is entitled to be treated with respect, courtesy, and professionalism.
B. A statement that a public records request does not have to be made in writing unless a specific statute requires otherwise. In that case, the statute imposing such a requirement shall be cited.
C. A statement that receipt of all public record requests shall be acknowledged promptly and in good faith as required by section 119.07(1)(b), Florida Statutes.
D. A statement that fees shall not exceed the amount authorized by section 119.07(4), Florida Statutes, unless another amount is expressly authorized by law. In that case, the statute imposing such a requirement shall be cited.
E. A statement that the public has the right to an itemized invoice of proposed fees or fees charged.
F. A statement recognizing that access to public records and meetings are rights secured under sections 119.07(1) and 286.011, Florida Statutes and Article 1, Section 24, Florida Constitution.
Section 2.
All state agencies under the direction of the Governor are directed, and all other state agencies are requested, to provide such assistance to the individuals carrying out the directions in this Executive Order as may be requested in furtherance of the objectives described.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have
hereunto set my hand and caused the Great
Seal of the state of Florida to be affixed, at
Tallahassee, this 15th day of November, 2007.
Charlie Crist
Governor