The Free Press, Mankato, MN

State, national news

February 26, 2013

Social media test bounds of open meeting laws

Associated Press

— If a majority of members on a city council zing messages back and forth on Facebook, Twitter or another social media platform, is that considered an official government meeting?

Not if a bill starting its travel through the Minnesota Legislature prevails. The House Government Operations Committee on Tuesday was discussing a bill that would make clear that those types of communications don't trigger the open meeting law.

Republican Rep. Duane Quam's bill would adapt Minnesota's open meeting law to newer technologies. To comply, however, government officials wouldn't be able to take votes via social media or substitute required public hearings for virtual ones.

Text Only | Photo Reprints
State, national news
  • Severe Weather-9 Photo gallery: Oklahoma tornadoes Photographs of the damage from tornadoes that hit areas around Oklahoma City on Monday, May 21

    May 21, 2013 18 Photos

  • Severe Weather Oklahoma tornadoes death toll at 24

    MOORE, Okla. (AP) — Search-and-rescue crews worked through the night after a monstrous tornado barreled through the Oklahoma City suburbs, demolishing an elementary school and reducing homes to piles of splintered wood.

    May 21, 2013 4 Photos

  • Toddler stabbed in Rochester last year has died

    The young boy critically injured in a stabbing attack in Rochester last year has died at a hospital in Nebraska.

    May 21, 2013

  • AP Phone Records Legal Landscape Policy, discretion guide media sources probes WASHINGTON (AP) — It was a rare moment in relations between the media and the government: In 2008, FBI Director Robert Mueller called the top editors at The New York Times and The Washington Post to apologize because the bureau had improperly obtaine

    May 21, 2013 1 Photo

  • House passes bill on lying about military medals WASHINGTON (AP) — People who falsely claim they have received a military medal in order to obtain money or government benefits could face up to a year in jail under legislation that easily passed the House Monday. The Stolen Valor Act, sponsored by

    May 21, 2013

  • Planting conditions much improved in Minnesota ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — A miserable start to spring planting for Minnesota farmers has greatly improved with a stretch of better weather. The U.S. Department of Agriculture says farmers have planted more than half of the 9 million acres of corn expec

    May 21, 2013

  • Minn. lawmakers wrap up historic session

    Minnesota lawmakers worked right up to the end Monday before adjourning a session that produced $2 billion in tax hikes and a historic vote on gay marriage.

    May 21, 2013

  • Severe Weather-6 Massive tornado roars through Oklahoma City suburb; at least 20 children among dead

    A monstrous tornado as much as a mile wide roared through the Oklahoma City suburbs Monday, flattening entire neighborhoods with winds up to 200 mph, setting buildings on fire and landing a direct blow on an elementary school. There w

    May 20, 2013 5 Photos

  • Session's last day arrives for Minnesota lawmakers

    ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Short on sleep and time, state lawmakers darted Monday toward the finish of a legislative session that already has produced a hefty tax increase, substantial new money for schools and a landmark law legalizing gay marriage.

    May 20, 2013

  • Minn. House defeats construction projects bill

    ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — The Minnesota House has turned back an $800 million construction projects bill that failed to win a needed super-majority.

    May 20, 2013