A panel appointed by Gov. Mike Easley to review his administration's deletion of e-mail messages unanimously approved recommendations Thursday aimed at ensuring that state employees know the public records law and have the technology needed to comply.
But the panel's suggestions, if implemented, will do nothing to prevent employees from knowingly circumventing the law — the very accusation that triggered the group's creation.
"They treated the symptoms, but the disease rages on," surmised Beth Grace, the executive director of the N.C. Press Association, after the panel's vote.
The panel recommended that Easley start a new training program that would require state employees who handle public records to complete a one-hour online tutorial about what the law requires. Similar training has been available previously, but was voluntary.
The panel also recommended extending the automatic back-up of e-mail on state servers from 30 days to five years. (N&O)
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