Senate Bill 2858 was overwhelmingly approved Tuesday (April 10) by the state House, despite opposition from folks like Bev Keever, who argue that it will weaken the powers of the state’s Office of Information Practices — which actually supports the bill.

Only one Democrat, Mele Carroll, voted “no” as did several Republicans such as Barbara Marumoto, who called the bill “disturbing.”

“This will make it harder for the public and members of the media to find out what happens with our government,” she said.

“This bill goes against open and transparent government — that’s what a good democracy is based on,” said GOP member Corinne Ching.

Bev Keever listens to legislative testimony by the OIP director on SB 2858 in March 2012.