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Panel backs extension of PSC meeting exemption for proprietary business information
Summary
House Bill 7009, which would retain an exemption allowing the Public Service Commission to close portions of hearings when already‑exempt proprietary business information is discussed, was reported favorably after committee members sought examples and the sponsor said PSC staff supports retaining the capability.
Representative Greco introduced House Bill 7009 to prevent repeal of a public‑meeting exemption that allows the Public Service Commission to close portions of hearings when confidential, proprietary business information already exempt from public records law is discussed. Greco said PSC staff reports the exemption has not been used but that retaining it preserves a tool for rare cases where facts under review are intertwined with trade secrets or other confidential material.
Representative Connerly and others asked for concrete examples of how the exemption could be applied; Greco and PSC staff described trade secrets and formulas as potential categories and said a judicial procedure exists to determine whether a claimed exemption should remain. Representative Eskamani noted she opposed similar measures previously and asked whether the Office of Public Counsel had changed its position; Greco said he had not yet consulted that office but would do so before the next stop.
After questions and debate about the need and safeguards, the committee voted and reported HB 7009 favorably.
