Ginn backs off secrecy bill as drawn; says changes needed

Sen. Frank Ginn (District 47) said Friday afternoon that after re-reading SB159 — legislation that would slam the door on any public meetings or records related to an "economic development project"— he would not support the current version of the proposed bill.


Sen. Ginn said that the bill as written is too broad and needs to be amended.


His main concern with economic development projects, he said, was that since the current law doesn't allow a government group to meet together with company representatives, those representatives tend to meet one-on-one with officials, often manipulating them into agreeing to a deal that may not be good.

"The dynamics of the group are different," he said.


Still, Sen. Ginn said the bill as written was not good and that he won't support the current version. He has contacted the main sponsor of the legislation to see about getting some changes made, he said.