5-14-4-1. “Counselor” Defined

Sec. 1. As used in this chapter, “counselor” refers to the public access counselor appointed under section 6 of this chapter. As added by P.L.70-1999, SEC.4 and P.L.191-1999, SEC.4.

5-14-4-10. Powers and Duties

Sec. 10. The counselor has the following powers and duties: (1) To establish and administer a program to train public officials and educate the public on the rights of the public and the responsibilities of public agencies under the public access laws. The counselor may contract with a person or a public or private entity […]

5-14-4-11. Additional Personnel

Sec. 11. The counselor may employ additional personnel necessary to carry out the functions of the office subject to the approval of the budget agency. As added by P.L.70-1999, SEC.4 and P.L.191-1999, SEC.4.

5-14-4-12. Annual Report by Counselor

Sec. 12. The counselor shall submit a report in an electronic format under IC 5-14-6 not later than June 30 of each year to the legislative services agency concerning the activities of the counselor for the previous year. The report must include the following information: (1) The total number of inquiries and complaints received. (2) […]

5-14-4-13. Statute of Limitations

Sec. 13. An informal inquiry or other request for assistance under this chapter does not delay the running of a statute of limitation that applies to a lawsuit under IC 5-14-1.5 or IC 5-14-3 concerning the subject matter of the inquiry or other request. As added by P.L.70-1999, SEC.4 and P.L.191-1999, SEC.4.

5-14-4-14. Education Fund

Sec. 14. (a) An education fund is established to provide funds for the program established under section 10(1) of this chapter. (b) The fund consists of the following: (1) Civil penalties collected under IC 5-14-1.5-7.5 and IC 5-14-3-9.5. (2) Money appropriated by the general assembly. (3) Grants, gifts, contributions, and money received from any other […]

5-14-4-2. “Office” Defined

Sec. 2. As used in this chapter, “office” refers to the office of the public access counselor established under section 5 of this chapter. As added by P.L.70-1999, SEC.4 and P.L.191-1999, SEC.4.

5-14-4-3. “Public Access Laws” Defined

Sec. 3. As used in this chapter, “public access laws” refers to: (1) IC 5-14-1.5; (2) IC 5-14-3; or (3) any other state statute or rule governing access to public meetings or public records. As added by P.L.70-1999, SEC.4 and P.L.191-1999, SEC.4.

5-14-4-4. “Public Agency” Defined

Sec. 4. As used in this chapter, “public agency” has the meaning set forth in: (1) IC 5-14-1.5-2 for purposes of matters concerning public meetings; and (2) IC 5-14-3-2 for purposes of matters concerning public records. As added by P.L.70-1999, SEC.4 and P.L.191-1999, SEC.4.

5-14-4-5. Establishment of Office

Sec. 5. The office of the public access counselor is established. The office shall be administered by the public access counselor appointed under section 6 of this chapter. As added by P.L.70-1999, SEC.4 and P.L.191-1999, SEC.4.

5-14-4-6. Appointment; Term

Sec. 6. The governor shall appoint a public access counselor for a term of four (4) years at a salary to be fixed by the governor. As added by P.L.70-1999, SEC.4 and P.L.191-1999, SEC.4.

5-14-4-7. Removal for Cause

Sec. 7. The governor may remove the counselor for cause. As added by P.L.70-1999, SEC.4 and P.L.191-1999, SEC.4.

5-14-4-8. Vacancies in Office

Sec. 8. If a vacancy occurs in the office, the governor shall appoint an individual to serve for the remainder of the counselor’s unexpired term. As added by P.L.70-1999, SEC.4 and P.L.191-1999, SEC.4.

5-14-4-9. Requirements for Position

Sec. 9. (a) The counselor must be a practicing attorney. (b) The counselor shall apply the counselor’s full efforts to the duties of the office and may not be actively engaged in any other occupation, practice, profession, or business. As added by P.L.70-1999, SEC.4 and P.L.191-1999, SEC.4.