House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda

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House of Representatives
Session of 2015 - 2016 Regular Session

MEMORANDUM

Posted:	January 28, 2015 11:28 AM
From:	Representative Mindy Fee and Rep. Tina M. Davis
To:	All House members
Subject:	Sunshine Law Exemption

In the near future, we intend to introduce legislation that would amend the Sunshine Law to exempt agency discussions of security and emergency preparedness from open meetings requirements. This bill will establish these discussions as an acceptable reason to hold an executive session. While we believe that it is imperative that the operations of all of these agencies remain transparent, they must also be provided the ability to restrict confidential information regarding sensitive matters from being discussed. We are all aware that school security is an increasingly important issue in the world in which we currently live given the most recent events in Connecticut. It is imperative that schools develop effective and up-to-date emergency preparedness plans and procedures. Further, school boards should be able to openly discuss security issues, such as plans for evacuation or lockdown, staff training, communication procedures, and the overall physical security of school buildings, without fear that an outside will use this information to the detriment of the school system. We also believe that other agencies that fall under the Sunshine Law should have the ability to discuss security measures, equipment and personnel without jeopardizing the safety of the agency. It is our hope that this legislation will grant these agencies the ability to freely debate and develop security plans that address the needs and weaknesses of their specific areas.

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