LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A Nebraska law that allows the public to know the names and backgrounds of finalists for top government jobs is sometimes ignored and frequently challenged.

Open-government groups say they often see a new push for secrecy whenever a school superintendent or university president’s job comes open. In January, the Omaha Public Power District was criticized for refusing to disclose four finalists for its open CEO job.

As part of Sunshine Week, The Associated Press is highlighting the disclosure law, which has survived despite bills in the Legislature that could have undermined open searches for some offices. None have passed.

Supporters say disclosing job candidates makes it harder to recruit a large, high-quality pool.

Allen Beermann of the Nebraska Press Association says releasing finalist names serves the interest of taxpayers.