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HSB 188

A bill for an act relating to the examination of confidential records by the general assembly.

2025-2026 Regular Session

HSB 188 establishes procedures for the General Assembly to access confidential records, balancing legislative oversight with the protection of sensitive information.

Subcommittee Meeting: 02/20/2025 8:30AM House Lounge 2 (Cancelled).
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Bill Summary · HSB 188

Summary of HSB 188: Examination of Confidential Records by the General Assembly

Bill Number: HSB 188
Introduced On: February 17, 2025
Status: Subcommittee Meeting Cancelled on February 20, 2025
Classification: Proposed Bill
Subject: Confidentiality, General Assembly, Records and Publications

Purpose and Intent

HSB 188 aims to establish clear procedures for the examination of confidential records by members of the General Assembly. The bill seeks to balance the need for legislative oversight with the protection of sensitive information, ensuring that confidentiality laws are respected while allowing for necessary access to information for legislative purposes.

Key Provisions

  1. Definition of Confidential Records:

    • The bill specifies that certain agreements and records are considered confidential as defined in section 22.7 or other applicable laws.

  2. Role of the Attorney General:

    • The Attorney General is tasked with adopting rules to establish procedures and deadlines for handling requests to access confidential records.
    • A decision regarding the confidentiality of a record must be rendered within 45 business days of receiving a request.

  3. Appeal Process:

    • Both the requestor and the government body can appeal the Attorney General's decision to the district court of Polk County.
    • Individuals claiming a proprietary or privacy interest in the information may also appeal.

  4. Confidentiality Agreements:

    • Any confidentiality agreement that covers information later determined not to be confidential is rendered void.

  5. Disclosure to the General Assembly:

    • Disclosure of confidential records to members or committees of the General Assembly does not waive the confidentiality of the information under state or federal law.

  6. Rights to Public Records:

    • The bill clarifies that it does not affect the rights of individual members or committees of the General Assembly to obtain public records under existing laws.

Impact

  • Affected Parties:

    • This bill will primarily impact government bodies that handle confidential records, the Attorney General's office, and members of the General Assembly who require access to such records for legislative purposes.

  • Procedural Changes:

    • The establishment of a formal process for handling requests and appeals related to confidential records aims to streamline access while maintaining necessary protections.

Legislative Timeline

  • February 17, 2025: Bill introduced and referred to the Judiciary Committee.
  • February 19, 2025: A subcommittee meeting was scheduled but subsequently cancelled.

This proposed legislation reflects an effort to enhance transparency within the legislative process while safeguarding sensitive information, ensuring that the rights of individuals and entities are respected.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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