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House backs publicly searchable database for government settlements
Summary
Lawmakers approved HB 763 to create a central, searchable database of settlement agreements and consent decrees involving taxpayer funds, with carve-outs for sealed or otherwise legally confidential matters, sponsors said.
Representative (speaker 41) sponsored HB 763 to require a centralized, publicly searchable database listing settlement agreements, consent decrees and payments when taxpayer money is used. The sponsor said the measure will permit users to find settlement dates, descriptions, amounts, attorney-fee breakdowns and the agency that authorized the settlement — unless the record is sealed or confidential under existing law.
“The public is left to hunt through PDFs and press releases or to make public records requests which can take weeks,” the sponsor said, arguing a centralized site would improve transparency and allow the public and legislators to identify patterns in settlements.
Members asked whether the database could inadvertently publish sensitive personal information or confidential settlement terms; the sponsor replied that sealed records would remain confidential and agencies would supply a statement explaining the legal basis for any confidentiality. Representative Mandy Landry and others sought assurances that personal or retaliation-claim details would be excluded where confidentiality applies.
On final passage the bill recorded 99 yays and 0 nays. Supporters called HB 763 an accountability measure that imposes no new liability and, they said, carries a $0 fiscal note.
What happens next: HB 763 moves to the Senate. Implementation will require an agency or executive office to build or host the searchable database and establish ingestion and redaction rules for confidential material.
Sources: Floor debate and final roll-call.
