"The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press is urging Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear to veto legislation that would make it more difficult for members of the press and the public to obtain certain government records in the state.

"In a March 19 letter to the governor, the Reporters Committee notes that portions of HB 312 appear designed to obstruct the public from accessing records of Kentucky's Legislative Research Commission, the administrative and research arm of the General Assembly.

"'Any attempt to legislatively hamper public access to these records is contrary to the public interest,' the letter states."