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Governor Charlie Crist signed an Open Bill of Rights that directs state agencies to  treat people with courtesy, respect and professionalism when they ask for public records.  It also requires officials to respond promptly, says agencies cannot charge more than the law allows for copies and bars them from demanding that requests be put in writing unless specifically required by statute.  The First Amendment Foundation praised the governor.

“It’s the bedrock of our democracy, to have people in this country be able to participate in their government,” said Adria Harper, with the First Amendment Foundation.  “Our public records laws and our sunshine laws give us a window into our government; our right to oversee it, and our right to participate.”

Crist established the Bill of Rights through an executive order, acting on a recommendation from his Commission on Open Government.