Buffington (SB 446) Act No. 710
Prior law (Public Records Law, R.S. 44:1 et seq.) provided 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". Prior law
established 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. Prior law provided for certain
exceptions, exemptions, and limitations. Prior law further specified 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.
New 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 (June 18, 2014).
(Adds R.S. 44:4(48))