In the States Open Records Freedom of information laws are an essential component of open and accountable government. Without access to government records, the public is deprived of the information necessary to hold officials accountable for their actions and officials feel less pressure to be responsive to the public. Secrecy in government also breeds public suspicion that officials have something to hide, thus undermining confidence in government. In the 1970s, in the aftermath of the Watergate scandal, there was a flurry of activity at the state level as legislatures enacted or strengthened state freedom of information laws. Although all states now have laws ensuring public access to government records, these laws vary significantly.
Most state laws state that all records are open and then delineate exemptions.
Many supporters of open government, including Common Cause and members of the news media, advocate stronger state laws which allow few exceptions to the general rule of openness. While state freedom of information laws cover citizen access to state government documents, the federal Freedom of Information Act applies to documents held by agencies in the executive branch of the federal government. There were no statutory guidelines or procedures to help a person seeking information. There were no judicial remedies for those denied access. Those seeking information are no longer required to show a need for information.