Overview

This legislation mandates the real-time online publication of all data and actions are accessible to citizens to promote transparency, accountability, and public trust. All approved actions, funding requests, election records, and completed documents are uploaded the same day. Security items are redacted only with elected officials’ committee approval. This fosters trust, productivity, and accountability, fast tracks data to citizens, businesses and media increasing their productivity, knowledge and trust

Section 1: Data Collection and Publication

(a) Real-Time Accessibility: All state agencies, departments, and entities collecting and maintaining data must make such data accessible to the public in real time, adhering to DPPA and other privacy and security protocols.

(b) Data Officer Designation: Each state agency shall appoint a data officer responsible for overseeing the collection, maintenance, and publication of data under this Act.

Section 2: Data Accessibility and Standards

(a) Open Formats: State government data shall be made available in open, read-only formats, complying with state laws and regulations.

(b) Standardization: Data published by state agencies must adhere to standardized formats, metadata schemas, searchable databases, and data dictionaries to ensure consistency and ease of use. This includes external data related to government contracts, funding, or collaborations.

Section 3: Public Access and Usage

(a) Central Online Portal: State government data shall be accessible through a central online portal, providing a user-friendly interface for searching, accessing, and downloading data.

(b) Public Use Encouragement: The state shall encourage the public use of government data for research, analysis, innovation, and public awareness, fostering collaboration between government agencies, researchers, and the public.

Section 4: FOIA Request Compliance

(a) Automatic Publication: All information accessible under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) shall automatically be published online in real time to enhance transparency and public access.

Section 5: NGO Accountability

(a) Online Document Availability: Non-governmental organizations receiving public funds must make documents related to government-funded programs available online in real time to ensure transparency and accountability. Non-compliance will result in loss of funds and termination of government funding.

Section 6: Data Security and Privacy

(a) Security Measures: State agencies shall implement measures to protect the security and privacy of sensitive or confidential data under state and federal laws.

(b) Redaction and Anonymization: Personal data and other sensitive information must be redacted or anonymized before publication to safeguard privacy rights.

(c) Authorization of Redactions: Only elected officials through a committee vote shall have the authority to classify documents as secret or require redactions.

Section 7: Compliance and Reporting

(a) Annual Reporting: State agencies must annually report on their data transparency efforts, highlighting progress, challenges, and improvements in data publication and accessibility.

(b) State Data Officer Oversight: The State Data Officer shall monitor and enforce compliance of this Act, conduct audits of data practices, and provide guidance to agencies on best practices.

(c) Real-Time Event Calendar: Employees shall maintain a visible online calendar of events, including internal government and external meetings, with attendee details posted within 24 hours after the meeting. Non-compliance will result in fines and investigations.

(d) Accountability for Data Withholding: Decisions to withhold data from the public must be made by elected officials, and the names of authorizing officials must accompany the document with the date of approval.

Section 8: Public Engagement and Feedback

(a) Feedback Mechanisms: The state shall provide avenues for public feedback on the usability, relevance, and accessibility of government data, incorporating suggestions for improvement.

(b) Public Engagement Sessions: Workshops and sessions shall be conducted to educate and involve the public in utilizing government data effectively and responsibly.

Section 9: State Spending Transparency

(a) Online Publication of Spending Data: All state spending data must be published online detailing expenditures, allocations, and recipients of public funds.

(b) Regular Updates: State spending data must be regularly updated to provide current and accurate information to the public.

Section 10: Safety Measures

(a) Video Surveillance/CCTV: Closed-circuit television shall be installed in all government facilities to ensure employee safety, with real-time public review access.

(b) Security Concerns Approval: Management must obtain elected officials' approval to obfuscate items deemed security concerns.

Section 11: Penalties

(a) Obfuscation Penalties: Intentional obfuscation of transparency laws will result in immediate termination, fines, and loss of pension and healthcare benefits.

(b) Document Hiding Penalties: Hiding documents, harassing citizens, excessive redactions by non-elected officials, and failure to provide real-time online documents will result in termination and fines.

(c) Classification Bypass Penalties: Non-elected employees bypassing elected officials for classification will face immediate termination, fines, and loss of pension and healthcare benefits.

Section 12: Effective Date

This legislation shall come into effect on [Insert Effective Date Here or Upon Signature of the Governor/President].