The bill, Substitute House Bill No. 5410, introduced as File No. 451, aims to amend the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to exempt certain records from public disclosure. Specifically, the bill proposes two new exemptions: first, records related to investigations of alleged sexual harassment or discriminatory practices concerning public agency employees, including the names of individuals providing information about such allegations; and second, records contained within the registry of residents of the state with cognitive challenges, which is maintained by the Division of State Police within the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection for the purpose of assisting in the recovery of missing or wandering persons.

The bill's effective date is set for October 1, 2024. The fiscal impact statement indicates that there will be no fiscal impact on the state or municipalities as a result of these exemptions. The bill analysis further clarifies that the exempted records pertain to violations of laws against sexual harassment and discriminatory practices as defined by the Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities. The bill has been reported favorably by the Government Administration and Elections Committee with a unanimous vote.