Bills creating employee personal information exemptions still moving

Two bills exempting certain employee information from public disclosure remain alive and continue their journey through the House and Senate.

HB 1888 exempts a government employee’s month and year of birth, photographs, and payroll deduction information from public disclosure, but allows access for the news media. The bill picked up some minor amendments in committee including:

• Clarification that an agency receiving a request for information located exclusively in the employee's personnel, payroll, supervisor, or training file must provide notice to the employee, any union representing the employee, and the requestor with:
  • The date of the request;
  • The nature of the requested record;
  • That the agency will release any nonexempt information in the record at least ten days after the notice is made; and
  • That the employee may seek a court order enjoining disclosure.

AWC expects that HB 1888 will pass through the Senate Ways & Means Committee and receive a vote of the full Senate.

SB 6499 exempts public employees’ medical information contained in the state retirement system from public disclosure requirements. However, a healthcare provider treating or examining applicants claiming disability benefits or advising the state may view files and records at the Department of Retirement Services’ discretion.

SB 6499 is currently in the House Rules Committee awaiting a vote of the full House.

AWC encourages cities to have your Public Records Officers review these bills.