Louisiana House Bill HB301

Louisiana 2016 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/2/16
• Refer: 3/2/16
• Refer: 3/14/16

Caption

Provides relative to records of the office of the governor

Impact

The proposed amendments to the Public Records Law under HB 301 are intended to enhance transparency regarding gubernatorial records while also recognizing the need for certain exemptions. For instance, records that relate to the governor's security details or that may endanger their safety can be held confidential for a limited period. This is aimed at balancing the necessity for public access to records with the imperative of ensuring the safety of the governor and their family. The bill retains the stipulation that exemption from public disclosure is limited in duration, thus ensuring that the public eventually has access to these records.

Summary

House Bill 301, introduced by Representative Nancy Landry, seeks to amend the existing Public Records Law to clarify and specify the regulations concerning the records maintained by the office of the governor. The bill aims to ensure that all records of the governor are preserved in a manner consistent with public records regulations, and establishes a timeline for when these records must be transferred to the secretary of state's archives at the conclusion of a governor's term. It also seeks to define what constitutes exempt records in terms of public disclosure, specifically concerning intraoffice communications and security details related to the governor’s schedule.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 301 is mixed among lawmakers and members of the public. Proponents of the bill view it as a step toward greater accountability and transparency concerning the actions and communications of the governor's office. They argue that while security and privacy concerns are valid, the public has a right to know about the operations and decisions made by their elected officials. Meanwhile, some critics are concerned that the bill may still allow for too many exemptions which could hinder transparency rather than enhance it.

Contention

Notable points of contention regarding HB 301 include the definition of 'exemption' and the duration after which records become public. Critics suggest that allowing the governor to maintain broad discretionary power in determining which records to exempt from disclosure could lead to abuse and a lack of transparency. Others emphasize that the provision to retain certain records confidential for up to seven days could delay public access and obstruct informational transparency. The discussions reflect a broader dialogue about the balance between privacy, security, and public accountability in governance.