Senate Bill No. 482, 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 jeopardize 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. This aims to safeguard the deliberative process and encourage open communication among public servants without the fear of public scrutiny.

The bill also emphasizes the importance of transparency in government while recognizing the need for certain exceptions to protect sensitive information. It clarifies that the deliberative process privilege, which has been upheld by various courts, is intended to prevent premature disclosure of proposed policies and to maintain the integrity of governmental decision-making. Furthermore, the bill ensures that the right to observe public body deliberations, as defined by the Open Meetings Law, is not infringed upon, thereby balancing the need for confidentiality with public oversight. The provisions of this bill are set to take effect on August 1, 2024.

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