Keep reading for today’s look at #OpenGov news, events and analysis including an open NSA debate, access to information in Colombia, and ballot initiative transparency in California.

National News

• A bipartisan group of Representatives are pushing for an open debate when the House takes up legislation dealing with the NSA intelligence gathering programs later this year. (Roll Call)
• NASA is relaunching their open innovation efforts. The move comes as NASA receives recognition as the most innovative federal agency. (Gov Fresh, Government Executive)

International News

• Open data in China is in its infancy, but a new group, the Open Data Community, hopes to change that. (Tech President)
• On March 6 the president of Colombia signed the country’s first access to information legislation into law. (Transparency International)
• Qatar is drafting an open data policy and is seeking public input on the plan. (Open Knowledge)

State and Local News

• The California State Senate is considering legislation to bring more transparency to the Golden State’s century old ballot system. Among other things, the law would require the that the top ten donors to an initiative be disclosed online in real time. (San Diego Jewish World)
• If you’re on a state board or commission in Virginia, there’s a new video that you can watch to better understand the state’s Freedom of Information law. (Washington Times)

Do you want to track transparency news? You can follow the progress of relevant bills on our Scout page. You can also get Today in #OpenGov sent directly to your preferred news reader!