RÉSUMÉ DIGEST
ACT 382 (SB 222) 2016 Regular Session Claitor
Prior law, relative to the Public Records Law, 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". New law retains
these provisions.
Prior law established a 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 of
a public entity or agency to provide copies to persons so requesting. Provides for certain
exceptions, exemptions, and limitations. New law retains these provisions.
New law adds an exception for records, writings, accounts, recordings, letters, exhibits,
pictures, drawings, charts, photographs, memoranda, reports, examinations, or evaluations,
or copies thereof, in the custody or control of the State Licensing Board for Contractors
(board) concerning the fitness of a person to receive or continue to hold a license issued by
the board. Authorizes release of any record to the public in an administrative proceeding
before the board. Requires that any final determination by the board relative to the fitness
of any person to receive or to continue to hold a license and any legal grounds upon which
the determination is based is a public record.
New law exempts any portion of an examination administered or to be administered by the
board and any answers to the examination. Authorizes any person who has taken an
examination administered by the board to inspect his examination.
Effective August 1, 2016.
(Adds R.S. 44:4(51) and (52))