Mississippi Senate Bill SB2475

Mississippi 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/16/23
• Refer: 1/16/23
• Failed: 1/31/23

Caption

Public Records Act; exempt personal identifying information for Department of Marine Resources license holders from.

Impact

The bill specifically exempts DMR license records from the applicable regulations of the Mississippi Public Records Act of 1983, essentially barring such information from being publicly available. The legislation allows for a release of these records only through a court order, effectively creating a legal barrier to general access. While law enforcement agencies will still be able to access these records upon request, the broader public will not have the same level of access, thereby impacting the transparency traditionally associated with public records legislation.

Summary

Senate Bill 2475 seeks to amend the Mississippi Public Records Act by exempting the personal identifying information of license holders from the Department of Marine Resources (DMR) from public disclosure. This legislative change is designed to protect the privacy of individuals holding resident or non-resident licenses issued under specific provisions of state law. By limiting access to these records, the bill aims to enhance confidentiality for licensees and safeguard their personal information from public scrutiny.

Contention

Points of contention surrounding SB2475 may stem from the balance between public access to information and individual privacy rights. Advocates of the bill argue that it is crucial for protecting the personal information of those involved with marine resources, thereby enhancing trust in the regulatory processes. However, critics may view this change as a potential avenue for reducing accountability and transparency within government operations, especially in matters related to environmental oversight and resource management.