A bill making its way through the West Virginia Legislature this session would aim to allow legislators to decide which of their records are available to the public.

The Freedom of Information Act is in place to provide processes for the public to view and obtain copies of public records. With a few exceptions, this means documents created for the purpose of doing the people’s business by a governmental entity, whether a school board, county commission, city council or a chamber of the West Virginia Legislature.

If House Bill 3412 is passed, though, it would allow the Legislature to create its own rules, deciding for itself which records would be available to the public, how long the body has to provide those records, any fees to charge, etc.

It’s a shame some in the Legislature feel they should have their own set of rules while everyone else has to follow those already established. To be blunt, they’re not that special and should be able to comply just as everyone else when it comes to answering to the people.

The bill was passed in the House Wednesday, with local representative Del. Mark Zatezalo voting in its favor. Del. Jimmy Willis and Del. Pat McGeehan voted against the bill.

It now moves on to the Senate, where we hope to see it parked.

While some speaking against the bill have framed it as a matter of media access, and we in journalism certainly make use of the Freedom of Information law, this is a law which benefits everyone and should be applied to everyone in government the same way.

We urge members of the West Virginia Senate to vote this bill down and make sure the people of West Virginia have uniform access to all of their government.