Louisiana House Bill HB1121

Louisiana 2014 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/31/14
• Refer: 4/1/14
• Report Pass: 4/16/14
• Engrossed: 4/28/14
• Refer: 4/29/14
• Report Pass: 5/7/14
• Enrolled: 5/19/14
• Chaptered: 5/28/14
• Passed: 5/28/14

Caption

Provides an exemption from the Public Records Law for certain commercially sensitive information of a public power authority

Impact

If passed, the bill would significantly alter how public power authorities manage and disclose information. It specifically allows these authorities to withhold details related to their costs, pricing strategies, and risk management that could be detrimental to their competitive standing. This change aims to foster a more stable and secure operational environment for these entities, aligning with their interests in maintaining competitive advantages in the marketplace. However, it still permits the disclosure of general contracting information, promoting a degree of transparency.

Summary

House Bill 1121 seeks to provide an exemption from the Louisiana Public Records Law for certain types of commercially sensitive information held by public power authorities. The bill defines 'commercially sensitive information' as information directly related to a public power authority's competitive activities that could provide an advantage to competitors if disclosed. The intention of this legislation is to protect sensitive business data related to utility operations from being publicly accessed while still ensuring that general information regarding contracts and agreements remains transparent.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding HB 1121 seems to be cautious, particularly in relation to public interest and the balance between transparency and competition. Proponents of the bill argue that safeguarding commercially sensitive information is essential for public power authorities to operate effectively in a competitive energy market. Conversely, there might be concerns from advocates for transparency and public accountability, worrying that this exemption could lead to a lack of oversight and diminish public trust in utility governance.

Contention

The primary contention arose around the necessity and implications of the exemption from the Public Records Law. While supporters emphasize that this bill allows public power authorities to compete effectively without fear of proprietary information leaks, critics argue that it could undermine public oversight. By restricting access to pertinent information, they fear that it may lead to less accountability among these authorities, raising questions about the broader implications for consumer protection and governance in public utilities.