Senate Bill No. SLS 24RS-1448, introduced by Senator Cloud, amends existing public records law to enhance the protection of certain records related to the security of the governor and his family. The bill specifically prohibits access to records in the governor's office that contain security details for the governor, his spouse, or children, which, if disclosed, could compromise their safety. Additionally, it establishes an exception to the public records law for records that reflect advisory opinions, recommendations, and deliberations involved in the formulation of governmental decisions and policies. The bill also repeals a previous provision under R.S. 44:5(B)(4).

The legislation emphasizes the importance of protecting the deliberative process within government, recognizing that this privilege has been upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court and various courts. It aims to foster open communication among public servants by allowing them to share opinions and recommendations without fear of public scrutiny, while also preventing confusion from premature disclosures of proposed policies. Importantly, the bill clarifies that it does not restrict the public's right to observe deliberations of public bodies, ensuring compliance with the Open Meetings Law. The effective date for these changes is set for August 1, 2024.

Statutes affected:
SB482 Original: 44:5(B)(4)
SB482 Engrossed: 44:1(A), 44:5(B)(4)