Proposes constitutional amendment to establish a public right of access to government.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that the public right to access the workings of government should be open to the greatest extent possible. Government rules only with the consent of the people, and so the people's interest in the system it supports should be paramount.

The purpose of this Act is to elevate to constitutional rights under article I of the Hawaii state constitution, the public right to participate in any meeting held by a public body and the public right to inspect or copy records of such meetings. These rights shall not be denied except as required to protect rights of individuals guaranteed under the Constitution.

It is the intent of this Act to place on the ballot for the next general election the issue of elevating this right to the caliber of a constitutional right, and to establish a commission on open government to enforce it.

SECTION 2. The Constitution of the State of Hawaii is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"RIGHT OF ACCESS

Section    . As provided by law, all persons shall have the right of public access to all meetings of public bodies and to inspect and copy public records made or received in connection with official business of public bodies or persons acting on their behalf."

SECTION 3. The question to be printed on the ballot shall be as follows:

SECTION 4. New constitutional material is underscored.

SECTION 5. This amendment shall take effect upon compliance with article XVII, section 3, of the Constitution of the State of Hawaii.