Lost amid all the discussion of national, state and local issues recently—same-sex marriage, the Confederate battle flag, etc.—was a story we’d like to call attention to.

On June 30, Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley signed into law an amended Open Meetings Act. The act tightens the state law requiring county commissions, city councils and other governing bodies to meet in public.

This may not sound like significant news. We here at The Clanton Advertiser cover city council meetings, and sometimes we’re the only people at the meetings other than the council members themselves.

The meetings aren’t as much fun as watching America’s Got Talent or eating dinner with the family, but these governing bodies are making decisions that affect residents living in their towns and cities. They’re spending tax money that was earned by hard-working Chilton Countians.

That’s why it’s important for taxpayers to know how they’re spending that money–and to have a chance to be involved in the process.

“Transparency promotes government accountability, and as elected officials, we are held to a higher standard for our decisions,” Bentley said in a statement. “It is important that our state’s open meetings law allows the public to see and be involved in government decisions. I supported this bill last year, and I am proud to see the Alabama Legislature pass this important piece of legislation this year.”

The legislation added three new amendments to the current 2005 Open Meetings Law:

•It expressly states that meetings in small groups without proper notice to discuss issues that will come before the full body is not permitted. There are times when government business requires closed-door meetings, and the current law provides for those situations.

•Clarifies that Alabama citizens have a right to bring an action against a governmental body if they believe the body has violated the law, and any penalties assessed are payable to the plaintiff.

•The legislation reflects that the Alabama Constitution requires the Alabama Legislature to meet with its doors open to the public unless a vote is taken in public that secrecy is required in certain circumstances.

We encourage you to familiarize yourself with this law, and then to take advantage of it by involving yourself in local government.

The job of government is to work for the best interests of its people. It’s important for the people to make sure that’s what’s happening.