A study traced the development of state open-meeting laws, beginning with the concept of open access presented in English common law and extending to the present time. Responses to inquiries were solicited from state press association managers. Analysis of the responses received, as well as secondary sources, identified current legislation and categorized major elements of state open-meeting law content. Results suggest that it is difficult to draw any generalizations regarding the laws since they vary greatly from state to state; they are constantly being updated; they are qualified by court decisions and attorneys' general opinions; and they are affected by other legislation and state constitutional requirements. In theory the laws have been designed to facilitate access; in practice there often has been a disparity between the intent and application of open-meeting laws. Although progress has been made toward the establishment of effective open-meeting legislation, there is much to be accomplished. Further study in both behavioral and legal research on topics concerning freedom of information is needed. (DF)