South Carolina General Assembly

117th Session, 2007-2008

S. 358

STATUS INFORMATION

Concurrent Resolution

Sponsors: Senator Knotts

Document Path: l:\council\bills\nbd\11219ac07.doc

Companion/Similar bill(s): 496, 3407

Introduced in the Senate on January 31, 2007

Introduced in the House on March 13, 2007

Adopted by the General Assembly on March 20, 2007

Summary: Freedom of Information Act

HISTORY OF LEGISLATIVE ACTIONS

DateBodyAction Description with journal page number

1/31/2007SenateIntroduced SJ8

1/31/2007SenateReferred to Committee on JudiciarySJ8

2/12/2007SenateReferred to Subcommittee: Martin (ch), Malloy, Campsen, Williams

3/7/2007SenateCommittee report: Favorable JudiciarySJ22

3/8/2007SenateAdopted, sent to House SJ39

3/13/2007HouseIntroduced HJ43

3/13/2007HouseReferred to Committee on Invitations and Memorial ResolutionsHJ44

3/14/2007HouseCommittee report: Favorable Invitations and Memorial ResolutionsHJ2

3/20/2007HouseAdopted, returned to Senate with concurrence HJ31

VERSIONS OF THIS BILL

1/31/2007

3/7/2007

3/14/2007

COMMITTEE REPORT

March 14, 2007

S.358

Introduced by Senator Knotts

S. Printed 3/14/07--H.

Read the first time March 13, 2007.

THE COMMITTEE ON

INVITATIONS AND MEMORIAL RESOLUTIONS

To whom was referred a Concurrent Resolution (S.358) to reaffirm the General Assembly’s commitment to open government in South Carolina; to recognize the role played by the Freedom of Information Act in open government, etc., respectfully

REPORT:

That they have duly and carefully considered the same and recommend that the same do pass:

ROBERT W. LEACH, SR. for Committee.

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A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

TO REAFFIRM THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY’S COMMITMENT TO OPEN GOVERNMENT IN SOUTH CAROLINA; TO RECOGNIZE THE ROLE PLAYED BY THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT IN OPEN GOVERNMENT AND TO EXPRESS APPRECIATION TO THE SOUTH CAROLINA PRESS ASSOCIATION FOR ITS ROLE IN PROMOTING OPEN GOVERNMENT; TO DECLARE MARCH 11, 2007, AS “SUNSHINE SUNDAY” AND MARCH 1117, 2007, AS “OPEN GOVERNMENT WEEK IN SOUTH CAROLINA” AND TO ENCOURAGE PARTICIPATION IN THESE ACTIVITIES COMMEMORATING OUR OPEN, DEMOCRATIC GOVERNMENT.

Whereas, the General Assembly has declared in the Freedom of Information Act “…that it is vital in a democratic society that public business be performed in an open and public manner so that citizens shall be advised of the performance of public officials and of the decisions that are reached in public activity and in the formulation of public policy…”; and

Whereas, the Freedom of Information Act was enacted in 1978 and has provided a means whereby citizens and their representatives may learn and report fully the activities of their public officials at a minimum cost or delay; and

Whereas, the courts of South Carolina have consistently recognized that the purpose of the General Assembly in adopting the Freedom of Information Act was to prevent secret government action at all levels of government in this State; and

Whereas, the South Carolina Press Association is sponsoring and promoting Sunday, March 11, 2007, as “Sunshine Sunday” and March 1117, 2007, as “Open Government Week in South Carolina”; and

Whereas, it is proper and fitting for the members of the General Assembly to pause in their deliberations to salute open government in South Carolina and to recognize the South Carolina Press Association for its important role in promoting open government. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the Senate, the House of Representatives concurring:

That the members of the South Carolina General Assembly, by this resolution, reaffirm their commitment to open government, recognize the importance of the Freedom of Information Act in accomplishing open government, and express appreciation to the South Carolina Press Association for its important role in promoting open government.

Be it further resolved that Sunday, March 11, 2007, is declared “Sunshine Sunday” and March 1117, 2007, as “Open Government Week in South Carolina” and that all citizens are encouraged to participate in activities commemorating our open, democratic government and that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the South Carolina Press Association.

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