Letter: Legislation is crucial to the future of local journalism in North Dakota
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Speaking out: Legislation is crucial to the future of local journalism in North Dakota
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Here are three bills that could impact North Dakota open records laws. 8:53 pm, Jan. 29, 2021 ×
The North Dakota State Capitol is seen Jan. 17, 2021. Michelle Griffith / The Forum
BISMARCK North Dakota Republican lawmakers have proposed several bills this legislative session that they say will protect public employees and institutions from unfair scrutiny. But transparency advocates argue those bills will erode the public s knowledge about how taxpayer money is spent and who applies for public jobs.
House Bill 1127 would bar anyone, including state employees, from revealing investigations into financial misconduct allegations until those probes are complete or criminal charges are filed. For instance, state officials could not talk about state audits until a prosecutor decides whether to pursue criminal charges.