FARGO, N.D. (AP) North Dakota is said to have some of the most effective open meetings and records laws in the country, but some legislators believe the rules need more teeth.
A bill that was proposed in the state House of Representatives would have imposed a $500 civil penalty on a member of a state governing body who violated the laws more than once. It was prompted by numerous open meetings violations by the state Board of Higher Education.
The proposal was rejected by the House, but supporters believe that the timing was wrong and say they will continue to try and increase consequences for violations.
This is the 10th anniversary of national Sunshine Week, a celebration of access to public information that coincides with the March 16 birthday of James Madison.