Quasi-public records?

Two legislators were involved in a squabble during a working lunch. The squabble was caught on tape. The security camera footage is the subject of multiple public records requests.

In a move that may be entirely without precedent, the video has been shown to a handful of the public but not the rest. The Journal and KRQE got to see it.

The original plan was that they could see it, but only if they promised to not "report on the contents or even acknowledge seeing it", link. Though they refused a "self-imposed gag order", they were given a private screening anyway.

Legislative Council Services Director Raul Burciaga continues to insist that even it the recording is a public record, is enjoys an exception to the Inspection of Public Records Act because it part of a "tactical response plan".

I can't help but think any fines that will be levied for the obstruction of the surrender of public records were going to be paid by Burciaga instead of by taxpayers, there might be less obstruction of the surrender of public records.

Government transparency laws need re-examination and revamping in their entirety, and the sooner the better.