The League of Women Voters of Kentucky has conducted a report on citizen transparency and participation in the law-making process in the Commonwealth. Organization leaders said they found several strategies lawmakers use that wind up limiting public oversight of laws that are being passed.
Janie Lindle is a member of the Transparency Kentucky Committee and an at large member of the League of Women Voters of Kentucky. She said these practices are documented as far back as 1998.
“All these things prevent citizens from showing up, from communicating with their legislators. From actually having a chance to read the legislation, and then explaining to their representatives how that might affect them,” Lindle said.
She said the people have a right to be informed.
“To let people know that this is going on, and to really encourage them to reach out. There are many ways that citizens can participate but they need to be making sure that their voices are heard. And by contacting their legislator and asking for more information they can be a part of ensuring that their opinion does get heard and does matter,” said Lindle
Lindle added there are some specific findings in the report that are of concern. Tactics include filing empty or “shell” bills that have little to no substance for the public to see, then adding most of the law or legal wording during the voting process. Also, it was found that lawmakers will sometimes vote on a bill the same day it’s filed, instead of waiting 24 hours as is policy. Additionally, often the bill that is publicized is swapped for a completely different bill at the time of voting it into law. More information on the report’s findings is available online at lwvky.org.