Each year, Transparent Nevada is proud to take part in a national celebration of government transparency known as Sunshine Week.

Founded in 2005 by the American Society of News Editors, Sunshine Week is a yearly reminder of the right of every American to access government records.

Nevada has been dedicated to transparency ever since the passage of the Nevade Public Records Act in 1911. The act remains one of the best transparency laws in the nation.

The act established that all state agency records are public unless declared confidential by law. This statute has been essential to maintaining openness and grants any person the ability to stay informed on government activities.

Similar rights were afforded at the national level in 1966 when the federal government enacted the Freedom of Information Act. This act made it possible to request public records from federal agencies. Exactly 20 years after the act was passed, March 16 was declared National Freedom of Information Day.

When Nevada Policy launched Transparent Nevada in 2008, we knew it would have a responsibility to bring the voters of the Battleborn State the most up-to-date information possible to enable them to make informed decisions. Open access to information is crucial when it comes time to vote.

We believe firmly in Thomas Jefferson’s observation that, “Whenever the people are well informed, they can be trusted with their own government; that whenever things get so far wrong as to attract their notice, they may be relied on to set them to rights.”

It is the duty of every Nevadan to hold their leaders accountable, and open records are foundational to that duty.

This Sunshine Week, we are excited to bring you special editorials, interviews and major announcements all centered around the celebration of open records at both the state and national level. It’s going to be a bright week, so be sure to stay tuned.