The ACLU of the Nation’s Capital urges the Council to revise the District’s inadequate open meetings law by enacting Bill 18-716.  More than four years ago we testified before this committee to urge the passage of Bill 16-747, the “District of Columbia Open Government Meetings Act of 2006.” 

The ACLU commends Councilmember Muriel Bowser for taking the lead in bringing this matter before the Council again, and for incorporating many of the suggestions made to improve the earlier bill. 

James Madison put it precisely: “A popular Government, without popular information, or the means of acquiring it, is but a Prologue to a Farce or a Tragedy; or perhaps both.  Knowledge will forever govern ignorance: And a people who mean to be their own Governors, must arm themselves with the power which knowledge gives.”

Those who reject the teachings of Madison argue that the current law is adequate.  D.C. Code § 1-207.42 requires that only meetings “at which official action of any kind is taken” need be open to the public.  Following that command, public officials meet secretly to deliberate and formulate their positions and invite the public in only to witness the formal voting.  The Council should put an end to this farce.

You can see a copy in PDF of the ACLU's testimony by Legislative Counsel Stephen Block on the Open Meetings bill by clicking here.