Changes to the state's public information law that would make it quicker and cheaper to obtain documents may be in jeopardy if residents don't become advocates and cajole House members to speed up decisions.

Changes to the S.C. Freedom of Information Act would cut the wait for documents by more than half and reduce the cost of copying to the prevailing rate at a commercial business center.

The time for state and local governments to respond to public requests for records would be cut from 15 days to seven, and the cost of copies could be reduced by 90 percent in some cases but at least cut in half in many cases.

Changes advocated by the S.C. Press Association cleared a subcommittee on Wednesday and were sent to the House Judiciary Committee, but unless they are sent to the other chamber by May 1, it's unlikely they will be considered this session and will die in the Senate.

Other important bills dealing with public information and open government also were sent to the Judiciary Committee and should be sent to the Senate as quickly as possible.

Under one bill South Carolina would join Georgia in requiring that the chairman of a public body sign a statement certifying that the group discussed in an executive session only what the group said it would. Another would clarify that chance or social gatherings of a majority of any public body would be a public meeting.

The operations and documents of government should be as transparent to the public as possible. In many cases, information is being place on government Web sites and becomes readily available to the public. Those initiatives to improve the flow of information to the public deserve accolades. But the free flow of information is still too slow. Too many government agencies use the 15-day rule to inhibit the process.

The recommendations before the House Judiciary Committee should be expedited so the Senate has a chance not only to consider but to pass them this year.