A bill working its way through the Legislature would require the government to provide information in a computer format if it is available. Proponents say the bill would bring government records access into the 1990s. Opponents say the public would surrender more privacy and subsidize for-profit enterprises by providing valuable information at a fraction of the cost. Kenny said he sponsored the bill at the behest of a real estate agent who wanted to look up tax assessment records with a simple mouse click. So we need to create new standards and parameters over time.
Journalists use computer records to analyze data in new ways.
Nursing home inspection reports can be compiled and scored, and facilities ranked by those who give the best and worst care. Or, using police reports, vehicle accidents can be plotted on a map to determine the most dangerous roads and intersections. In recent years, state officials have released some information in a computer format, such as state aid to municipalities and school district report cards. In some cases, the information is posted on the state Internet site. But William J. Kearns Jr., attorney for the League of Municipalities, said he does not favor a carte blanche release of electronic records for two reasons.