Two new laws went into effect in Wyoming on Sunday, which are meant make government more transparent. The Public Records Act requires agencies to confirm or deny a public records request within seven days. And the Open Meetings Act calls for public bodies to make meetings open to the public, and to announce them eight hours in advance. Jim Angell is executive director of the Wyoming Press Association. He says the open meetings law will also close technological loopholes.
“Language was added to make it clear that members of public bodies should not use technological means such as texting to get around the requirements that they must do their business in public,” Angell says.
Angell adds that it’s important for citizens to have access to information in order to be informed voters. The law will apply to public bodies, local governments, and state agencies, but not to the state legislature.
