NEWS ROUNDUP

International

• Open government comes quickly in Brazil: Since May, Brazil has launched a new freedom of information act, an open data portal–the first of its kind in the country–and “the right to historical truth,” which is meant to give information about events surrounding its former military dictatorship. The country also co-chairs the Open Government Partnership. (techPresident)
• UK gains new open data policy, website: In addition to its newly revamped open data site, the United Kingdom has created a document that outlines a “presumption to publish” government information. (Open Knowledge Foundation Blog)
• New Austrian laws shed light on politicians’ finances: In Austria, a country where eight in ten citizens see corruption as a major problem, the parliament’s lower house approved a lowering of disclosure thresholds and an increase in public election funding. (TrustLaw)

State/Local

• In San Fran, new website offers street improvement information: San Francisco has launched a site that consolidates information about all street improvement projects in the hopes of increasing civic involvement in the process. (Government Technology)
• Rhode Island open records bill overhauled: Rhode Island’s recently signed open records bill has modelled its provisions for accessibility of the federal Freedom of Information and requires the disclosure of employee contracts and information about arrests. (Providence Journal)
• Connecticut reacts to Tuesday’s Citizens United affirmation: A number of Connecticut state officials have expressed concern with the precedent set by the Supreme Court’s rejection of Montana’s ban of corporate spending in election. The state’s governor had recently vetoed a stricter campaign finance bill. (Connecticut Post)

RELEVANT BILLS INTRODUCED

• H.R. 33: Church Plan Investment Clarification Act. “Amends the Securities Act of 1933 with respect to when certain securities issued in connection with retirement income accounts available only to certain kinds of church plans are treated as exempted from registration and disclosure requirements under such Act.” Passed Senate without amendment by unanimous consent.

HAPPENING TODAY 6/28

• Doodle or Die, Agile Design, and Why Every Designer Should Learn to Code: Thurs. 6/28. 7:00 p.m. LivingSocial. 1445 New York Avenue NW, #200, Washington, D.C.

SCHEDULED TOMORROW

• Giving USA 2012: Who Gave, How Much, and to Whom in 2011?. Fri. 6/29. 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. Hudson Institute. 1015 15th Street NW, 6th Floor, Washington, D.C.

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