The bill amends the Kansas Open Records Act (KORA) to introduce a new exception that allows members of the legislature to restrict their identifying information, specifically home addresses and home ownership details, from public access on public websites. Legislators can file a request with the record custodian to have their information restricted for a period of five years, with the option to reapply for continued protection. Additionally, the bill repeals the existing section of K.S.A. Supp. 45-221 and updates the list of permissible exceptions to disclosure under KORA, including a provision that prohibits the disclosure of identifying information for various public officials, such as law enforcement officers and judges, if they request such protection.

Moreover, the bill specifies that records related to cyber security threats and attacks on utility operations, as well as those concerning the licensing and examination of money transmission businesses, shall not be disclosed unless required by law. It also includes provisions to protect the financial information of taxpayers and personal information of employees, ensuring that such data is disclosed only under specific circumstances. The bill clarifies that public agencies must separate or delete non-disclosable material from public records and make available only the portions that are subject to disclosure. Additionally, it establishes that any public record older than 70 years will be open for inspection unless restricted by federal law or state statute, and reinforces that confidential records related to security measures are not subject to subpoena or discovery in legal actions. The act will take effect upon publication in the statute book.

Statutes affected:
As introduced: 45-221