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Freedom of Information not so free at the state house.

A recent restructuring bill forced a lot questions from citizens concerned about the separation of powers in state government. So through theFreedom of Information Act, many wanted details on how law makers put together the bill. But South Carolina legislators are exempt from such disclosure.

The Freedom of information Act or FOIA went into effect in 1967. In short, its purpose is to allow the release of previously undisclosed documents, controlled by the government. But in some cases, such as those at the South Carolina state house, the rules don notalways apply. An email obtained by the South Carolina Policy Council, shows that lawmakers are well aware of what they have to release and when. And they do not have to release anything.

Lawmakers passed a law back in 1980 which allows them to ignore FOIA requests. Rick Brundrett from the Policy Council, says there is no real recourse for tax payers who have questions.

Citizens have a right to know how their government operates. And freedom of information is designed to give citizens the opportunity to learn how their government operates. When the legislature has this exemption set for themselves no other state agency has citizens cannot learn as much about how their government operates.

The policy council reports they first found out the scope of the emotions, when they tried to get information on Boeing incentives and were stonewalled. Meantime a bill is up for debate that could end the law.

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Freedom of Information not so free at the state house.