The Nevada Press Association has named Assembly Speaker Barbara Buckley and state Sen. Terry Care "First Amendment Champions" for their legislative efforts on behalf of free speech and the public's right to know.
Buckley, D-Las Vegas, was honored for AB433, requiring the state Tax Commission to conduct most of its business in public; and AB261, requiring child welfare agencies to release more information about children who have died or were critically injured as a result of abuse or neglect.
Care, D-Las Vegas, was credited for SB123, requiring governments to make public records available for public review or copying within five business days of a request; and SB13, which would have restricted local governments from enforcing laws that regulate carrying signs on public sidewalks.
Care's SB13 failed but the other three measures won approval during the 2007 Legislature.
The awards were handed out as part of the NPA annual convention, held Friday and Saturday in Reno. The Nevada Appeal took home several awards in the contest. In addition to those listed in a story in Sunday's paper, Appeal reporter F.T. Norton won first place in the Class 1 spot news category for her reporting on the verdict of a family that kept two children prisoners in a bathroom for years.
The Appeal was also awarded the top Class 1 award for best business coverage. Phil Wooley won second place in Class 1 for Best Page 1 Design. Keigh Marusov was awarded second place for Best Special Section.