NC H693

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

Committee shall study ways to improve government transparency by examining existing state laws on public access to records and meetings, and reviewing legislation from other states that provide greater public access than North Carolina.

Committee shall specifically examine strategies for streamlining public access to records and meetings in both executive and local government, and develop legislative alternatives to existing restrictions in the North Carolina Public Records Act and Open Meetings Law.

Committee shall be led by two co-chairs (one representative designated by the Speaker, one senator designated by the President Pro Tempore) and shall receive professional and clerical staff support through the Legislative Services Commission.

Committee shall submit an interim report to the 2017 General Assembly when it reconvenes in 2018 and a final report with findings and recommendations to the 2019 General Assembly, after which it will terminate.