Freedom of Information Foundation: Bexar medical examiner policy "overreaching"
Freedom of Information Foundation: Bexar medical examiner policy "overreaching"
Bexar County’s medical examiner has implemented a restrictive policy requiring journalists to provide specific victim details before releasing fatality information. This move effectively delays public access to data regarding accidents and homicides, contradicting the broader goal of transparency. The new procedure shifts the burden onto reporters, hindering timely reporting on deadly incidents. Advocates argue this interpretation of state law exceeds its original intent, which was solely to protect next of kin from unwanted contact. By demanding detailed prior information, the office is stifling the flow of public records rather than safeguarding privacy. This overreach prevents the media from gathering essential context about preventable death trends and public safety issues. This situation highlights critical tensions in open data practices, where administrative barriers can obscure vital public health information. It underscores the importance of clear legal interpretations that balance privacy rights with the public’s right to know. Ensuring data accessibility remains crucial for community safety and informed civic engagement.
Source: tpr.orgPublished on 2025-08-29