Lawmaker Looks to Open Vermont Governor's Records

A Vermont lawmaker who has battled Gov. Peter Shumlin's administration over access to documents plans to file legislation to make the governor's office more transparent.

Rep. Cynthia Browning went to court and lost a round with the governor's office after she was denied access to records on the administration's failed attempt to design a universal, publicly funded health care system.

Now the Arlington Democrat is calling for several new provisions in the law:

One would say the governor waived executive privilege - a legal doctrine used to deny access to records - when he or she voluntarily shares them with some people outside the executive branch.

Another new provision would require a superior court judge to rule on an appeal of denial of access within 45 days.