St. Clair County Brings Legal Settlements Into The Open
From the Belleville News-Democrat
The St. Clair County Board has taken a step toward more transparency in how it approves legal settlements.
The change is the result of a review of binding opinions issued by the Illinois Attorney General's Office, according to St. Clair County State's Attorney Brendan Kelly. The binding opinions are administrative decisions that allow the attorney general to clarify Sunshine laws and increase disclosure.
Kelly said County Board members will now verbally announce in public session the amount agreed upon and the subject of the litigation when finalizing settlements. Previously, the board, after discussing settlements in closed session, only publicly approved a motion to "approve recommendations presented by legal counsel in executive session regarding pending litigation."
The new method reflects the state's Open Meetings Act, which says that "Final action shall be preceded by a public recital of the nature of the matter being considered and other information that will inform the public of the business being conducted."
Read more in our daily News Update...
From the Belleville News-Democrat
The St. Clair County Board has taken a step toward more transparency in how it approves legal settlements.
The change is the result of a review of binding opinions issued by the Illinois Attorney General's Office, according to St. Clair County State's Attorney Brendan Kelly. The binding opinions are administrative decisions that allow the attorney general to clarify Sunshine laws and increase disclosure.
Kelly said County Board members will now verbally announce in public session the amount agreed upon and the subject of the litigation when finalizing settlements. Previously, the board, after discussing settlements in closed session, only publicly approved a motion to "approve recommendations presented by legal counsel in executive session regarding pending litigation."
The new method reflects the state's Open Meetings Act, which says that "Final action shall be preceded by a public recital of the nature of the matter being considered and other information that will inform the public of the business being conducted."
Read more in our daily News Update...