The new legislation will replace existing laws from 1987

A revised Code of Practice for document access should mean it is easier for people to get hold of reports and other information discussed in committees.

It is a precursor to the introduction of a Freedom of Information Law.

But the Finance and Economics Committee says departments will have to pay for the additional measures themselves.

Existing budgets

The original code was introduced in 1999 and, since then, States members have identified areas for improvement, such as making sure that all reports, including those written by third parties outside the control of the States, are available for public viewing.

But although it is expected there will be an increase in the amount of time departments will have to spend on making the information available, the Finance and Economics Committee says they will have to meet the cost out of their existing budgets.

The new Freedom of Information Law is expected to be debated in the States later this year.

The island's draft Data Protection Law was lodged with the States on 20 April.

Once in force, the new law will implement the European Directive on Data Protection, which affects the free movement of information and freedom to trade, as well as the freedom of individuals.

The new legislation will replace the island's existing data protection law which was passed in 1987.