Seeking balance between public records and the need for secrecy.

• Position: On First Reading - Brief Article

Since the 2001 terrorist attacks, at least 40 states have proposed changes to their open records laws, ranging from closing some documents to deny information to potential saboteurs to creating commissions to oversee the records.

Many of the bills aim to keep secret any evacuation or emergency response plans, security measures or emergency health procedures. State security plans and manuals also are to be kept closed.

Of course, some of the proposals have alarmed journalists and open government advocates who believe that many of the plans are too general and are impulsive reactions that would negatively affect efforts to keep the public informed

New Florida laws keep state property security system plans and information on pharmaceutical materials for response to terrorism out of the public record. Idaho now prohibits disclosure of records on public agency buildings, facilities, infrastructure and systems when that revelation would threaten public safety.

Certain information about school security or emergency preparedness has been added to Iowa's list of confidential records. The state also imposes an aggravated misdemeanor charge for anyone obtaining confidential information, such as public utility records, trade secrets or public airport operational...