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Committee advances expansion of protected‑person public‑records list despite press concerns
Summary
HB 3 39 would add current and retired law‑enforcement officers and administrative law judges to the list of protected individuals under public‑records law; the committee advanced the bill but asked sponsors to refine language to include an intent requirement after the Louisiana Press Association warned the draft is overly broad.
Representative Chasson told the committee HB 3 39 would extend existing public‑records protections to current and retired law‑enforcement officers and administrative law judges. Supporters — including law‑enforcement groups — argued the measure addresses doxxing and safety concerns.
Scott Sternberg of the Louisiana Press Association said he supported protecting people who face targeted threats but warned the bill’s drafting risks criminalizing the sharing of truthful information. ‘‘There has to be an intent requirement,’’ Sternberg said, urging the sponsor and staff to narrow the list of protected information and add mens rea language.
Members discussed specific examples — from posting an address to republishing a public photo — and the committee asked staff and the sponsor to work on language that balances safety and public‑information rights. The committee voted to report HB 3 39 favorably with the request that language be clarified before floor action.
The record shows stakeholder testimony from law enforcement and the press association; the bill advances to the Senate floor for further consideration and technical drafting.
