SD Panel Discusses Open Government Proposals

A task force seeking ways to make South Dakota government more open is ready to make its recommendations.

The panel meets in Pierre on Wednesday to discuss a number of specific proposals that might be recommended to Gov. Dennis Daugaard and Attorney General Marty Jackley. Daugaard and Jackley appointed the task force to propose changes in laws dealing with open meetings and the availability of government documents.

Some ideas under consideration would give the public and news organizations access to crime suspects' mug shots, recordings of 911 emergency calls and videos taken by cameras mounted in police cars.

Another proposal would require boards and commissions to record closed meetings, with the recordings kept sealed unless someone complains a meeting was improperly closed. A judge could then review the recording.