Mississippi Senate Bill SB2014

Mississippi 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/6/22
• Refer: 1/6/22
• Failed: 2/1/22

Caption

MS Public Records Act; prohibit confidentiality of settlement agreement.

Impact

If enacted, SB2014 would significantly change how civil settlements involving public entities are handled. By making the terms of such settlements open to public scrutiny, the bill would discourage potential abuses of power and foster a greater degree of trust between the public and government entities. This change is particularly relevant in a climate where public accountability is increasingly demanded by citizens who wish to understand how their government handles disputes and controversies.

Summary

Senate Bill 2014 aims to amend the Mississippi Public Records Act by prohibiting the confidentiality of settlement agreements in civil proceedings involving public bodies. The bill stipulates that parties to a settlement cannot agree to keep the terms confidential, and courts are barred from sealing any documents that contain these settlement terms. This law would enhance transparency and accountability in governmental actions, ensuring that the outcomes of civil cases involving public bodies are publicly accessible.

Contention

The bill has been met with mixed reactions among legislators and interest groups. Proponents argue that it will promote fairness and transparency, contributing to a more informed electorate that can hold public officials accountable. However, some critics express concern that mandating public disclosure of settlement terms could deter individuals and entities from pursuing settlements with public bodies, fearing that legitimate grievances may be exposed unnecessarily or that sensitive information could be made public. This potential chilling effect on dispute resolutions remains a central point of contention in the discussions surrounding the bill.