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Bill

HB 406

PUBLIC RECORDS: Provides relative to expungement of agency records

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Lauren Ventrella

Louisiana bill establishes procedures for government agencies to expunge records, balancing document management efficiency against potential transparency and accountability concerns.

Becomes HB 682.
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Bill Summary · HB 406

Legislative bill overview

HB 406 modifies Louisiana's public records law to establish procedures for expunging (destroying or removing) agency records. The bill, which has been renumbered as HB 682, passed committee unanimously and sets parameters for when and how government agencies can dispose of records that are no longer needed for official purposes.

Why is this important

Expungement procedures directly affect transparency, privacy, and government accountability. Clear rules on record destruction help agencies manage storage while protecting sensitive information, but overly broad expungement authority could allow governments to eliminate records that the public or oversight bodies need for investigating misconduct or verifying government actions.

Potential points of contention

  • Transparency vs. destruction: Determining which records can be permanently destroyed versus which must be preserved for public accountability and historical purposes
  • Oversight and criteria: Establishing whether expungement decisions are made unilaterally by agencies or require external review to prevent misuse
  • Timeline and notice: Whether there are adequate waiting periods and public notification before sensitive records are destroyed, allowing concerned parties to challenge expungement

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

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