About: 2021 Open Government Conference

The Public Information Act sessions of this year’s conference will feature attorneys who work in the Open Records Division of the Office of the Attorney General. Together they have a combined total of over 75 years of experience working with the Public Information Act from multiple different angles. They have responded to initial requests, prepared requests for rulings, reviewed and issued OAG letter rulings, handled matters related to PIA costs and complaint procedures, and educated agencies and the public across the state. During the Public Information Act sessions we will also hear from individuals who handle requests at other agencies in order to get a different point of view.

The speakers for the Open Meetings Act sessions of this year’s conference include attorneys in the Opinion Division of the Office of the Attorney General. These attorneys assist the Attorney General in drafting and issuing formal legal opinions, including those addressing questions under the Open Meetings Act. They also provide regular training and consultation to state and local entities on Open Meetings Act questions. During the past year, they responded to over 1850 calls and emails regarding how to comply with the Governor’s suspension of certain Open Meetings laws during the COVID-19 disaster. In addition, a special guest from Department of Information Resources will join us to share their knowledge about videoconference call meetings.

While there is not a specific breakout for law enforcement this year, the sessions focus on practical tips, deadlines, costs, procedures, and the most common exceptions. All of these topics apply to law enforcement agencies and will help in responding to requests beyond only a few exceptions.

At the end of each day a Q&A session will be hosted by a live moderator or panel of attorneys. If you don't get answers during the conference you can always call the Office of the Attorney General, Open Government Hotline at (512) 478-6736, toll free (877) 673-6839.