House Bill 39

Chair's Name: Wendell Willard

Committee: Judiciary

House Sponsor: Jill Chambers

HB 39 clarifies the Georgia Open Records Act with respect to information protected by federal statutes and regulations.

This bill passed the House Floor under the Modified Structured Rule by a 166-0 vote. The Senate committee adopted a substitute, but the measure was not passed by the full body.

Chairman Willard's opinion on this legislation: 

HB 39 clarifies the Georgia Open Records Act regarding exemptions.  The current law exempts records that are required by the federal government to be kept confidential.  This bill clarifies that it is records required by federal statute or regulation to add clarity to open records requests. This bill was prompted by litigation in Dekalb County involving an open records dispute.

THIS LEGISLATION:

• Reduces the Tax Burden on our Citizens by adding clarity in responding to Open Records Act requests.  This will help avoid costly litigation.