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Bill

LC 1059

Generally revise right to know laws

2025 Regular Session

LC 1059 aims to overhaul right-to-know laws, redefining public-records access, exemptions, costs, and appeals to affect residents and local and state agencies.

(LC) Draft Died in Process
#localgovernment(seealso:citysubjects;countysubjects) #stategovernment
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Bill Summary · LC 1059

Summary of LC 1059: Generally revise right to know laws

Note: The available information for LC 1059 includes only metadata (title, status, dates) and does not provide the actual text of the bill. The summary below reflects the bill’s stated aim and the implications of its metadata, along with typical considerations for a “right to know” reform.

Overview

  • Bill Number: LC 1059
  • Title: Generally revise right to know laws
  • Subject: Local Government; City/County subjects; State Government
  • Introduced: November 11, 2024
  • Classification: bill (LC draft)
  • Current Status: Draft died in process (as of May 23, 2025); previously on hold (Dec 10, 2024); drafter assigned (Nov 11, 2024)

What the bill is about (based on title)

  • The title indicates an effort to reform or consolidate the state’s public-records or “right to know” statutes. While the exact provisions are not provided here, such bills typically address how government records are accessed by the public, the criteria for exemptions, how records are produced, and related processes.

Potential scope and issues likely to be addressed

Because the actual text is not included, typical areas that a broad right-to-know revision might cover include:
- Scope of public records: which entities and records are covered (local governments, state agencies, elected officials, boards, and commissions).
- Access rights: request procedures, turnaround timelines, and required responses.
- Fees and cost-shares: allowable charges for search, duplication, and delivery of records.
- Exemptions and redactions: criteria for withholding information (e.g., security, privacy, trade secrets) and how exemptions are applied.
- Digital records and modern formats: access to electronic records, metadata, and online portals.
- Proactive disclosure: requirements for publish-and-preserve practices or mandatory disclosures.
- Appeals and oversight: processes for challenging denials and timelines for appeals.
- Records management standards: retention, destruction, and archival requirements.

Who would be affected

  • General public and researchers: greater (or modified) access to government information.
  • Public bodies and custodians: duties to locate, compile, and provide records; potential changes to exemption handling and timelines.
  • Local government entities (cities/counties) and state agencies: alignment of processes and potential cost implications.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Drafter Assigned (Nov 11, 2024): Initial drafting work recorded.
  • On Hold (Dec 10, 2024): The bill’s development paused.
  • Draft Died in Process (Dec 2024 action; final status May 23, 2025): Indicates the LC draft did not advance in its current form.
  • Since no text is provided, there is no specific legislative text to analyze or cite.

Next steps for readers

  • If interested, monitor for any reintroduction of LC 1059 or a successor bill with a new number.
  • Once text is published, review:
    • Exact definitions (what records are covered and who must comply)
    • Specific exemptions and how they are applied
    • Timelines for responses and any fee schedules
    • Appeals processes and enforcement mechanisms
  • Track committee actions, public hearings, and fiscal impact statements once introduced in a session.

If you can share the actual bill text or a link to the legislative portal, I can provide a more precise, provision-by-provision summary.

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

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