Bill No.: SF0025                  Drafter:  LNS

 

LSO No.:  12LSO-0099              Effective Date:  July 1, 2012

 

Enrolled Act No.:  SEA0062

 

Chapter No.:       Ch0074

 

Prime Sponsor:     Joint Judiciary Interim Committee

 

Catch Title:       Public records.

 

Subject:           Right of inspection of public records.

 

Summary/Major Elements:  This act:

 

·         Amends the definition of public records.  The amended definition includes any information in a physical form created, accepted or obtained by a state entity or a political subdivision in furtherance of its official function and business which is not privileged or confidential by law.

 

·         Requires public records to be open for inspection during business hours of the state entity or political subdivision.

 

·         Requires the entity or political subdivision to notify a requestor of public records within seven business days that the records are unavailable, unless good cause prevents a response within seven days.

 

·         Specifies that information concerning an agricultural operation, farming or conservation practice provided by an agricultural producer to participate in a program of the state or a political subdivision shall not be disclosed, with the exception of payment information, statistical information or when necessary when responding to a disease or pest threat.

 

·         Provides a civil penalty for violation of the act.