NC H499

Creates a Joint Legislative Study Committee on Public Records and Open Meetings consisting of 10 members: 5 House members appointed by the Speaker and 5 Senate members appointed by the President Pro Tempore.

Committee shall study ways to improve transparency of State and local government by examining existing North Carolina public records and open meetings laws and comparing them to legislation in other states that allow greater public access.

Committee shall specifically examine streamlining processes for public access to government records and meetings in both executive and local government entities, and develop legislative alternatives to existing restrictions on public access.

Speaker of the House and President Pro Tempore of the Senate shall each designate one member to serve as cochair; committee members receive subsistence and travel expenses and professional staff support from the Legislative Services Commission.

Committee shall submit final report with findings and legislative recommendations to the 2017 General Assembly and shall terminate upon filing that report.