Kansas House Bill HB2395

Kansas 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/10/23
• Refer: 2/10/23
• Report Pass: 2/21/23
• Engrossed: 3/1/23
• Refer: 3/2/23
• Report Pass: 3/16/23
• Enrolled: 4/5/23
• Passed: 4/24/23

Caption

Continuing in existence certain exceptions to the disclosure of public records under the open records act.

Impact

By continuing certain exceptions to public records disclosure, the bill affects the transparency of government operations in Kansas. It allows governmental agencies to maintain confidentiality over sensitive personal information, aiding in the protection of individual privacy and proprietary information. However, this also raises questions about how much oversight the public will have over governmental practices, potentially limiting accountability in instances where public interest is concerned.

Summary

House Bill 2395 focuses on the continuance of certain exceptions to the disclosure of public records under the Kansas Open Records Act. The bill aims to ensure that specific sensitive information remains protected while balancing the public's right to access information. It addresses various state laws related to public records, emphasizing the need for transparency in government operations while recognizing that some information must remain confidential for privacy or security reasons. The bill's provisions are set to ensure that exceptions to disclosure are periodically reviewed and re-evaluated by the legislature.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 2395 appears mixed. Supporters argue that the bill is necessary for protecting sensitive information and personal privacy, claiming it strikes a balance between transparency and confidentiality. Critics, however, voice concerns that prolonged exceptions could lead to a lack of accountability and hinder efforts toward a more transparent government. The discussions highlight a broader debate about the balance of privacy and public access to information.

Contention

Notable points of contention within discussions on HB 2395 include the extent to which government entities should be permitted to withhold information from the public. There are fears that allowing these exceptions to persist without stringent review may lead to government overreach, as entities might use confidentiality as a shield against public scrutiny. Furthermore, the bill’s reliance on legislative review timelines raises concerns about timeliness and the effectiveness of such evaluations.