So Who Do You Think You Are?

From this week on, researching your family history will be much easier, thanks to the launch of the Public Record Office new website.

It has many new features and additions, such as researching family and local history, how to look after your own personal archives, including family photographs and documents, and introductions to private archives which give overviews and historical backgrounds.

The Arts and Culture Minister, Edwin Poots, who launched the website, said the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland (PRONI) had many fascinating records.

http://www.nwipp-newspapers.com/fh/free/349260010536525.php

Fate of Open-Records Law May Hinge on House Vote

A proposed overhaul of Pennsylvania's antiquated open-records law is on ice , awaiting a House vote that could send it on to the governor or prolong the debate for months.

The measure is considered the most likely reform bill to emerge from this Legislature.

The fundamental issue , balancing the public's right to know with an individual's right to privacy , was settled months ago. Lawmakers agreed that most government records should be open to the public, and to require agencies that keep records secret to justify their actions.

http://www.philly.com/philly/wires/ap/news/state/pennsylvania/20080202_ap_fateofopenrecordslawmayhingeonhousevote.html

Local Government Owner's Manual: Getting access to public records

As an owner of local government, you have a right to know what your public servants really are doing. One way to find out is to request public records.

This chapter of the Local Government Owners Manual will tell you how to file a Public Records Law request in Wisconsin.
According to state law, “all persons are entitled to the greatest possible information regarding the affairs of government and the official acts of those officers and employees who represent them.” As a result, there is a “presumption of complete public access” to records.

http://www.lacrossetribune.com/articles/2008/02/03/news/z02manual03.txt

Crime Records Go Online

The record of John Rowland's conviction is now online for everyone to see.

Not Connecticut's former governor, who was convicted in federal court and not included in the state's new database of criminal convictions. Instead, everyone may learn that John Rowland, a Weston man in his early 80s, was fined $180 for speeding and failure to drive in the proper lane last year.

"I don't mind very much," said the elder Rowland, who is not related to the onetime governor. "The more information they put up, the less it means anything."

http://www.stamfordadvocate.com/news/local/scn-sa-conviction2feb06,0,6735508.story

Judge to Rule on Public Record Pertaining to Ozark Teacher

A Dale County judge may be the first in the state to rule on whether parts of a teacher’s personnel file are public record.

The Dothan Eagle submitted two public records requests to former Ozark City Schools superintendent Dan Payant for disciplinary action taken against D.A. Smith Middle School teacher Melinda Fenn, who disclosed a student’s medical disability to other students last school year. Fenn has taught in the school system for 18 years.

The student’s mother said her child underwent counseling and was temporarily transferred to another school system because of embarrassment.

http://www.dothaneagle.com/gulfcoasteast/dea/local_news.apx.-content-articles-DEA-2008-02-06-0006.html

Challenging Government Secrecy Can put Holes in People’s Pocketbooks

If someone steals your car in Mississippi, you call the police. If someone defrauds you, you call the attorney general.

If someone denies you access to public records, no taxpayer-funded agency will help you. Instead, you hire an attorney.

In Mississippi, a state with a long history of government secrecy, it can be difficult, expensive, time consuming — and sometimes an all but impossible — to know what government leaders are up to and what special interests pull their strings.

http://www.picayuneitem.com/local/local_story_036153841.html

Court Backs Faster Fublic Record Response

Government can’t make people wait for weeks or months for public records, the Arizona Court of Appeals ruled Tuesday.

In a unanimous decision, the judges said Arizona’s public records law, unlike some other states, requires that the custodian of the items “shall promptly furnish such copies, photographs or printouts.” And it says any request not promptly honored is deemed to have been denied.

Judge Murray Snow, writing for the court, acknowledged the law does not define “promptly.”

http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/story/108312