The bill, introduced by Representative Ventrella, amends existing law to provide a framework for the expungement of certain adjudication records related to administrative proceedings. Specifically, it allows individuals to request the expungement of records associated with stipulations, agreed settlements, consent orders, or defaults if the attorney general determines that the agency's interpretation of the law was erroneous. Additionally, expungement can be requested if there is no finding of a law violation at the conclusion of the adjudication proceedings. The bill outlines the procedures for filing a request for expungement and mandates that agencies must grant the request if the necessary criteria are met.

Furthermore, the bill establishes that all expunged records will be confidential and no longer considered public records, ensuring they are not accessible to anyone outside the agency. It also requires that while these records are removed from public access, they will not be destroyed. The bill amends R.S. 44:4.1(B)(35) to include the new expungement provision under R.S. 49:980.1, thereby integrating it into the existing framework of public records law in Louisiana.

Statutes affected:
HB682 Original: 44:1(B)(35)
HB682 Engrossed: 44:1(B)(35)