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HB 763

PUBLIC RECORDS: Provides for a public Settlement Agreement Information Database to contain certain information regarding settlements entered into by state agencies (EG NO IMPACT See Note)

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Beth Billings and 1 co-sponsor

Louisiana must publish a public database of settlement details (dates, terms, penalties, and data) for agency settlements finalizing after 1/1/2027.

Received in the Senate. Read first time by title and placed on the Calendar for a second reading.
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 763

HB 763 (2026) — Louisiana Public Settlement Agreement Information Database

Purpose and Intent

  • Establish a publicly accessible database to publish information about settlement agreements entered into by state agencies.
  • Improve transparency around settlements arising from legal actions related to alleged violations of federal or state law.
  • Create a centralized repository managed by the Commissioner of Administration.

Key Provisions

Creation and Scope

  • Adds a new statutory requirement: the Commissioner of Administration must create and maintain a public Settlement Agreement Information Database.
  • “Settlement agreement” includes final documents evidencing a compromise of a legal action and consent decrees, related to alleged legal violations by a state agency.

Data Elements to be Published

For each settlement entered into on or after January 1, 2027, the database must include:
1. The final date of the settlement.
2. A description of the claims settled.
3. Overall payment obligations by the settling parties, plus itemization of:
- Attorney fees and other litigation costs awarded (with legal basis).
- Any civil or criminal penalties or fines expressly stated in the agreement.
- Other awards not covered by the above.
4. Conditions for termination of the agreement, if applicable.
5. A brief description of any economic data and the methodology used to justify terms.
6. Any modifications to the settlement, if applicable.
7. A copy of the agreement or a confidentiality statement, as applicable.

Confidentiality and Exemptions

  • If information or the agreement is exempt from disclosure under Public Records Law, the requirement to disclose may be waived.
  • Administrative head of the agency may issue a written confidentiality statement if disclosure is prohibited or if withholding is necessary to protect the public interest, citing:
    • The Public Records Law exception, or
    • Why withholding protects a compelling public interest and outweighs public access.

Timing and Duration

  • Agencies must enter the required information within 90 days after the settlement becomes final.
  • Each entry remains publicly available for five years from the later of:
    • The date of initial entry, or
    • The last date the entry was modified by the agency.

Administration and Implementation

  • The Commissioner may promulgate implementing rules under the Administrative Procedure Act.
  • The database must be operational and ready for data input by December 31, 2026.

Affected Entities

  • State agencies that enter into settlement agreements (including agencies within the executive branch, higher education, and related state entities).
  • The Commissioner of Administration, who will oversee and maintain the database.

Effective Date and Timeline

  • Core provisions (establishing the database and its purpose) become effective upon signature by the governor or the lapse of the time for gubernatorial action.
  • All other provisions become effective January 1, 2027.
  • The database must be established and ready for input by December 31, 2026.

Administrative and Policy Considerations

  • Balances transparency with confidentiality: allows exemptions and confidentiality statements when disclosure is prohibited or not in the public interest.
  • Creates standardized data points for settlements to enable easier public understanding and potential oversight.
  • Requires consistent reporting within a defined 90-day window, ensuring timeliness of published information.

Summary

HB 763 proposes a new Public Settlement Agreement Information Database maintained by the Louisiana Commissioner of Administration. It requires state agencies to publish comprehensive settlement data (dates, claims, financial terms, penalties, confidentiality, and related data) for settlements finalized on or after January 1, 2027. The measure includes confidentiality protections where required by law, sets a 90-day reporting deadline post-finalization, and maintains each record for five years. The database is to be operational by December 31, 2026, with implementing rules to be adopted under the Administrative Procedure Act.

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

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