State lawmakers reversed course on a bill that could’ve potentially relaxed Freedom of Information Act requirements for the University of Delaware and Delaware State University Wednesday.
An amendment written by House Majority Leader Valarie Longhurst (D-Bear) reinforced that the University of Delaware and Delaware State University had to give up documents regarding use of state money.
But that’s only after the contracts would’ve been finalized and if they didn’t “frustrate” future bid processes. They also could’ve redacted anything they deemed as an “opinion” from university employees.
The bill passed Wednesday after that amendment got struck and replaced with another that just reiterates what was already in state code: use of public dollars has to be revealed.
The original legislation would’ve opened up the institutions entirely, but sponsoring Rep. John Kowalko (D-Newark South) says it wouldn’t have gotten a committee hearing without being watered down.
The bill’s next stop is the state Senate.
