West Virginia Legislature Plans FOIA Exemption Bill

West Virginia's House of Delegates is considering House Bill 3412, which would exempt the Legislature from the state's Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) by allowing lawmakers to create their own rules for public document disclosure. House Speaker Roger Hanshaw argues that the current FOIA law treats the Legislature similarly to the executive and judicial branches, and that tailored rules could clarify what constitutes a public record. However, critics, including journalists and legal experts, express concern that this could lead to reduced transparency, allowing legislators to keep key documents secret. While Hanshaw asserts that all currently accessible records will remain available, there are doubts about the flexibility of future rules and their potential for change. The proposal has sparked a debate about the balance between legislative autonomy and public accountability. The bill is moving quickly through the legislative process as the session nears its end.