The bill aims to revise existing laws regarding executive exemptions to public records requests in Montana, specifically narrowing the scope of such exemptions. It introduces a limited executive exemption that allows the governor to withhold specific public information only when the governor's individual privacy interest clearly outweighs the merits of public disclosure. The bill stipulates that the governor does not have an individual privacy interest in public information related to policy, politics, or legislative matters. Additionally, the exemption must be narrowly tailored, and its duration is limited to the time necessary for the underlying issue to be resolved. The bill also includes provisions for waiving the executive exemption when information is voluntarily disclosed to a third party.

Furthermore, the bill amends definitions related to confidential information and public records, ensuring that the criteria for confidentiality are clearly outlined. Notably, it removes the requirement for the award of costs and reasonable attorney fees for a prevailing party in public records litigation. The bill emphasizes the importance of transparency and accountability in government, aligning with the Montana Constitution's Right to Know and Right of Participation. It is set to take effect immediately upon passage and approval.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 2-6-1002, 2-6-1009, 90-1-105
HB0271_1(1): 2-6-1002, 2-6-1009, 90-1-105
HB0271_1(2): 2-6-1002, 2-6-1009, 90-1-105
HB0271_1(3): 2-6-1002, 2-6-1009, 90-1-105
HB0271_1(4): 2-6-1002, 2-6-1009, 90-1-105
HB0271_1(5): 2-6-1002, 2-6-1009, 90-1-105
HB0271_1(6): 2-6-1002, 2-6-1009, 90-1-105
HB0271_1(7): 2-6-1002, 2-6-1009, 90-1-105
HB0271_1: 2-6-1002, 2-6-1009, 90-1-105
HB0271_2(1): 2-6-1002, 2-6-1009, 90-1-105
HB0271_2(10): 2-6-1002, 2-6-1009, 90-1-105
HB0271_2(11): 2-6-1002, 2-6-1009, 90-1-105
HB0271_2(2): 2-6-1002, 2-6-1009, 90-1-105
HB0271_2(3): 2-6-1002, 2-6-1009, 90-1-105
HB0271_2(4): 2-6-1002, 2-6-1009, 90-1-105
HB0271_2(5): 2-6-1002, 2-6-1009, 90-1-105
HB0271_2(6): 2-6-1002, 2-6-1009, 90-1-105
HB0271_2(7): 2-6-1002, 2-6-1009, 90-1-105
HB0271_2(8): 2-6-1002, 2-6-1009, 90-1-105
HB0271_2(9): 2-6-1002, 2-6-1009, 90-1-105
HB0271_2: 2-6-1002, 2-6-1009, 90-1-105