Today, there are a lot more entertainment options available, and a lot more demands on our time. It's difficult, if not impossible, for some residents to attend meetings of their local council, commission or school board. But still, there's no reason for the public to miss a single discussion, argument or vote.

Thanks to the Internet, and the ability to upload large volumes of written data, photos and video, we live in the information age. There's no reason in the world that audio/video recordings of open, public meetings shouldn't be available on the Web within hours of adjournment, allowing citizens to observe local government in action at their leisure. The technology not only exists, it's increasingly inexpensive and easy to use.

But Utah's law requiring written minutes and audio recordings of open, public meetings is mired in the Stone Age, and House Bill 166 would do little to bring it up to date.

The measure, sponsored by Rep. Mel Brown, R-Coalville, would require that the official written records, or minutes, of meetings be made available to the public at the time they are distributed to council, commission or board members for their approval.

It's an attempt to assure that minutes are released in a timely manner - present law states that the minutes must be released "within a reasonable time after the meeting," a phrase left open to interpretation. But public watchdog groups and open-records advocates say it's a step backward in some cases, because many boards, councils and commissions have traditionally made the meeting minutes available even sooner, and now they'll have reason to withhold them.

Instead of a small step fore or aft, the Legislature needs to take a giant leap forward.

Brown needs to withdraw the bill, and draft another. The Legislature needs to bring local governments - kicking and screaming, if necessary - into the information age.

Each and every public body should be required to produce videotapes of their public meetings, and make them available on their Web sites. Advances in technology can, and should, be used to advance democracy, and keep public officials accountable.