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SB 408

Provide that legislative bill drafting files are public records

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Daniel Zolnikov

SB 408 aimed to boost legislative transparency by classifying bill drafting files as public records, enhancing public access and engagement in the legislative process.

(S) Died in Process
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Bill Summary · SB 408

Summary of SB 408: Provide that Legislative Bill Drafting Files are Public Records

Bill Overview

Bill Number: SB 408
Introduced On: November 06, 2024
Status: Died in Process (as of May 23, 2025)
Classification: Bill
Subject Areas: Communications, Public Officers and Employees, State Government

The primary intent of SB 408 was to enhance transparency in the legislative process by designating legislative bill drafting files as public records. This change aimed to allow greater public access to the materials and documents that inform the creation of legislation.

Key Provisions

  • Public Records Designation: The bill proposed that all legislative bill drafting files be classified as public records. This would enable citizens, researchers, and other stakeholders to access these documents, which include drafts, revisions, and related communications.

  • Transparency Enhancement: By making these files public, the bill sought to foster transparency in government operations, allowing for more informed public participation in the legislative process.

Impact

  • Who Would Be Affected:
    • General Public: Increased access to legislative drafting files would empower citizens to engage more meaningfully with the legislative process.
    • Legislators and Staff: Legislative staff would need to adapt to new protocols for managing and disseminating these documents.
    • Researchers and Advocacy Groups: Organizations and individuals studying legislative processes would benefit from greater access to information.

Legislative Process and Timeline

  • Introduced: The bill was introduced on November 06, 2024, and was referred to the Legislative Administration Committee.
  • Committee Actions:
    • The bill passed through committee with a favorable report on March 1, 2025.
    • It was scheduled for a second reading on March 5, 2025, where it initially passed but faced a motion that failed on March 6, 2025.
  • Missed Deadlines: The bill missed the deadline for general bill transmittal on March 12, 2025, leading to its eventual indefinite postponement and subsequent death in process on May 23, 2025.

Conclusion

While SB 408 aimed to improve legislative transparency by making drafting files public records, it ultimately did not progress through the legislative process and was not enacted. The discussions surrounding this bill reflect ongoing concerns about transparency and public access to government information.

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

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