The bill amends the Kansas Open Records Act (KORA) to create a new exception that allows certain retired members of the Kansas Public Employees Retirement System (KPERS), including law enforcement officers, judges, and attorneys, to restrict their identifying information from being disclosed on public websites. To initiate this restriction, the retired individual must submit a request to the record custodian, who is required to respond within ten business days. This restriction lasts for five years, after which individuals can reapply. Additionally, the bill repeals existing provisions that allowed for the disclosure of records identifying the home addresses or ownership of certain public officials, thereby enhancing the privacy and security of retired public employees.

The bill also introduces new confidentiality provisions for records held by public agencies, allowing individuals to request restrictions on their identifying information for five years, with the option to renew. It specifies that personal information related to individuals licensed to carry concealed handguns or those who have undergone weapons training will not be disclosed unless legally required. Furthermore, it protects records concerning cybersecurity threats and taxpayer financial information from disclosure, except under specific circumstances. The bill outlines procedures for handling records that contain both disclosable and non-disclosable material, clarifies that statistical information not identifying individuals is exempt from restrictions, and establishes that records older than 70 years are generally open for inspection unless otherwise restricted. The bill will take effect upon publication in the statute book.

Statutes affected:
As introduced: 45-221