When I began writing about the House Bill (HB) 1338, containing provisions basically gutting the Indiana Public Access Counselor, I had no idea whether there were others sharing my view.  Based on the number of people reading my stories, and comments from other media outlets, there are others with the same opinion.

The latest came in the March 8 print edition of the Indianapolis Business Journal (IBJ).  The IBJ Editorial on Page 14A was written before the General Assembly gave final approval for HB 1338.

Based on the assumption lawmakers would pass the measure and send it to Governor Eric Holcomb’s desk, the IBJ editorial staff wrote the following – “…we call on Gov. Eric Holcomb to veto (HB 1338) – not for journalists but for the public who deserves access to government.”

The IBJ editorial points out that, yes, journalists have used the Public Access Counselor’s office for advisory opinions, but others in the public realm have also used the office for advisory guidance.  The Public Access Counselor, Luke Britt, and his small staff are considered the experts on Indiana public access law.

Once again, if you agree with IBJ, Indiana Capital Chronicle’s Nike Kelly and myself, I would urge you to e-mail or call Governor Holcomb’s office and ask him to veto HB 1338.  As to how, use this link.

You can read the entire IBJ editorial at this link.  (You may not need an IBJ subscription to access this editorial)