A group of lawmakers in Oregon has proposed a new bill that aims to increase transparency in government by making certain records and meetings more accessible to the public. The bill, which was introduced in the state legislature, would require government agencies to make records related to public business available to the public upon request. This would include records such as emails, memos, and other documents that are currently not available to the public. The bill would also require government agencies to hold public meetings and hearings, and to provide notice of these meetings to the public in advance. Additionally, the bill would require government agencies to make audio and video recordings of public meetings available to the public. The proposed bill has been met with support from transparency advocates, who argue that it would help to increase accountability and trust in government. However, some government agencies have expressed concerns about the potential costs and logistical challenges of implementing the bill. The bill has been referred to a committee for further consideration, where it will undergo a series of hearings and markups before being voted on by the full legislature. If passed, the bill would go into effect on January 1, 2024. The proposed bill is part of a larger effort to increase transparency in government, which has been a major issue in Oregon in recent years. In 2020, the state passed a law requiring government agencies to make certain records available to the public, but transparency advocates argue that more needs to be done to ensure that government is truly transparent. The proposed bill would help to address some of the shortcomings of the current law, and would provide the public with greater access to information about government activities. The bill has been endorsed by a number of organizations, including the Oregon Newspaper Publishers Association and the Oregon League of Women Voters. These organizations argue that the bill would help to promote transparency and accountability in government, and would provide the public with a greater understanding of how government works. The proposed bill is also supported by a number of individual citizens, who argue that it would help to increase trust in government and promote a more informed and engaged citizenry. Overall, the proposed bill has the potential to make a significant impact on transparency in government in Oregon, and could serve as a model for other states to follow. The bill’s sponsors argue that it is an important step towards creating a more open and transparent government, and that it would help to promote accountability and trust in government. The bill is currently pending in the legislature, and its fate will be determined in the coming weeks and months. The proposed bill has sparked a lively debate about the importance of transparency in government, and has highlighted the need for greater access to information about government activities. As the bill moves forward, it is likely to continue to be a major issue in Oregon, and could have significant implications for the state’s government and citizens.