RDCSB446 362 5916
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DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part
of the legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute
part of the law or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
Buffington SB No. 446
Present law (Public Records Law, R.S. 44:1 et seq.) provides that all books, records,
writings, accounts, letters and letter books, maps, drawings, photographs, cards, tapes,
recordings, memoranda, and papers, and all copies, duplicates, photographs, including
microfilm, or other reproductions thereof, or any other documentary materials, regardless
of physical form or characteristics, including information contained in electronic data
processing equipment, having been used, being in use, or prepared, possessed, or retained
for use in the conduct, transaction, or performance of any business, transaction, work, duty,
or function which was conducted, transacted, or performed by or under the authority of the
constitution or laws of the state, or by or under the authority of any ordinance, regulation,
mandate, or order of any public body or concerning the receipt or payment of any money
received or paid by or under the authority of the constitution or the laws of the state, are
"public records". Present law establishes the framework for the ready availability of public
records to requesting persons, and specifically provides that it is the duty of the custodian
of the public records for a public entity or agency to provide copies to persons so requesting.
Present law provides for certain exceptions, exemptions, and limitations. Present law further
specifies that any exception, exemption, and limitation to the laws pertaining to public
records not provided for in the Public Records Law or in the constitution shall have no
effect.
Proposed law provides an exception to the Public Records Law for security surveillance
video of the capitol area and grounds and any images on security surveillance video of the
capitol area and grounds regardless of format. Defines "capitol area and grounds" as the
state capitol and the parking areas and grounds immediately surrounding the state capitol,
the capitol annex and the parking areas and grounds immediately surrounding the capitol
annex, and the pentagon barracks buildings and the parking areas and grounds immediately
surrounding the pentagon barracks buildings.
Effective upon signature of governor or lapse of time for gubernatorial action.
(Adds R.S. 44:4(48))
Summary of Amendments Adopted by House
Committee Amendments Proposed by House Committee on House and Governmental
Affairs to the engrossed bill.
1. Removes language including the physical medium and contents of any electronic
storage device in the exception.
2. Limits the exception to surveillance video of the capitol area and grounds and
images on surveillance video of the capitol area and grounds regardless of format
and defines capitol area and grounds.