House Bill No. by Representative McMakin amends R.S. 44:11 and 32(D) to enhance the confidentiality of public employees' personnel records while balancing the public's right to access certain information. The bill emphasizes that a public employee's reasonable expectation of privacy regarding their personnel records is recognized, but it also clarifies that these records are generally public and subject to disclosure. New provisions include the confidentiality of opinions in evaluation reports, information that could put employees at risk, and the requirement for custodians to provide written reasons for any non-disclosure of records, ensuring that court decisions cannot be the sole basis for such exemptions.

Additionally, the bill specifies that certain personal information, such as home addresses and financial details, remains confidential unless otherwise required by law. It removes previous exemptions that allowed the disclosure of home addresses for employees of city or parish school boards to educational groups. Overall, the legislation aims to protect sensitive employee information while ensuring transparency in public records management.

Statutes affected:
HB116 Original:
HB116 Engrossed: 44:32(D)
HB116 Enrolled: 44:32(D)