Author

Michael Abate

Michael Abate

Michael Abate is a media law and First Amendment expert who serves as general counsel to the Kentucky Press Association. He practices law at the firm of Kaplan Johnson Abate & Bird LLP, where he regularly litigates open records and First Amendment disputes across Kentucky.

Commentary

HB 509 would destroy Kentucky’s long tradition of openness. And Beshear knows it.
By: and - April 7, 2024

Repeatedly in recent weeks, Gov. Andy Beshear has come out in favor of House Bill 509, a bill that would dramatically weaken Kentucky’s open records laws. The governor has tried to assure citizens the bill would result in more transparency, not less. The governor is wrong; this bill will inevitably lead to the public’s business […]