Public Records Free Directory Blog

Soon, Louisiana may be able to escape its reputation of being among the states with the worst public records laws in the United States. On May 20, 2008, the Louisiana House of Representatives voted in favor of a bill which is intended to create more transparency in the governor’s office. Under Louisiana’s current laws, the governor’s office and around 60 agencies umbrellaed under the office have immunity from records disclosure.

However, the new proposed legislation, House Bill 1100 would require all agencies to make their records available for public inspection. An amended portion of this bill, which also passed, further requires that records from the governor, chief of staff, and executive can be kept confidential only for three years.

Since HB 1100 passed in the House of Representatives, the next step is for it be debated on the Senate floor. If this new legislation passes, it is slated to become effective immediately upon final signature by the governor. The current law which limits the public’s access to the governor’s records has surprisingly been in effect since the 1940s. While confidentiality and discretion do have their place, the exclusion of about five dozen agencies from public records disclosures does seem slightly unfair to Louisiana residents. Such a high level of secrecy can also beg the question “what are all these agencies hiding.” The passage of this new law can do much to lift the shroud of uncomfortable secrecy and provide Louisiana residents with a level of freedom of information which is at least commensurate with the majority of US states.

For access to and information about current Louisiana public records, visit the Free Public Records Directory. �