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LD 1399

An Act To Allow Action Against A Person Violating The Confidentiality Of An Executive Session Of A Public Body Or Agency

132nd Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Nathan Carlow and 3 co-sponsors

Allows action against anyone who discloses confidential executive-session material, strengthening protection of deliberations and holding violators accountable.

Pursuant to Joint Rule 310.3 Placed in Legislative Files (DEAD)
#executivesessions #freedomofaccess #procedures
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · LD 1399

Overview

LD 1399, titled “An Act To Allow Action Against A Person Violating The Confidentiality Of An Executive Session Of A Public Body Or Agency,” was introduced on April 1, 2025. The bill aims to address breaches of confidentiality related to executive sessions of public bodies or agencies. As of May 6, 2025, the measure is listed as “Pursuant to Joint Rule 310.3 Placed in Legislative Files (DEAD),” indicating it did not advance in the current legislative session.

Purpose and intent

  • The bill’s core purpose is to provide a mechanism to hold individuals accountable if they disclose or otherwise violate the confidentiality of information discussed in executive sessions maintained by public bodies or agencies.
  • It seeks to reinforce protections around confidential deliberations that occur outside the public meeting record, safeguarding sensitive information and the integrity of decision-making processes.

Key provisions (as inferred from title and subject)

  • Establish prohibitions on unauthorized disclosure or mishandling of confidential material from executive sessions.
  • Create a framework for enforcement or action against persons who breach confidentiality (specific remedies, penalties, or civil actions would be defined in the text).
  • Clarify what information remains confidential within executive sessions and who may be held responsible for breaches.
  • Potentially address standing, timelines, and procedural steps for bringing action, though exact details are not provided in the summary.

Note: The exact statutory language and remedies are not included in the provided materials. The summary reflects the bill’s stated purpose to allow action against violators and the general topic of executive-session confidentiality.

Affected parties and impact

  • Public bodies and agencies that conduct executive sessions (e.g., city councils, county commissions, state agency boards) and their members, staff, and attendees.
  • Individuals who disclose or mishandle confidential executive-session information could become targets of enforcement under this act.
  • May influence public trust by increasing protections around confidential deliberations and potentially deter leaks or unauthorized disclosures.

Procedural history and timeline

  • 2025-04-01: Referred to the Committee on Judiciary; printed in concurrence.
  • 2025-04-23: Work Session Held; Voted ONTP (ought not to pass).
  • 2025-04-23: Another Work Session held; ONTP outcome.
  • 2025-05-01: Reported Out - ONTP.
  • 2025-05-06: Placed in Legislative Files (DEAD) under Joint Rule 310.3.

Next steps and considerations

  • The bill did not advance in the current session. If interest persists, sponsors could refile or reintroduce similar provisions in a future session.
  • Stakeholders may examine existing confidentiality rules for executive sessions and any gaps the bill intended to address, along with potential remedies and enforcement mechanisms.

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

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