The Olympian Editorializes in Support of Raising Open Meetings Penalties

The Olympian writes this editorial supporting House Bill 2567 to raise the penalty for violating the Open Public Meetings Act from the current $100 to $1000. They say:

"It’s too easy for elected officials to violate this state’s Open Public Meetings Act. Weighing the punishment against the crime, it’s tempting for public servants to take the risk of an illegal, closed-door session. That’s because the fine for breaking the open meetings law is a paltry $100 — the same amount set by lawmakers when the law was passed in 1971."