The Breakdown: Sen. Cloud to amend bill casting dark shadow over Louisiana’s sunshine laws
By Devin Bartolotta
Source: WWL-TV
April 23, 2024
NEW ORLEANS — In your Breakdown: Senator Heather Cloud says she will dial back some of her efforts to cast a dark shadow over Louisiana’s sunshine laws.
On the Senate Floor Tuesday, she said amendments are in the works to narrow the scope of her controversial bill that would eviscerate access to public records in the state.
“Members, I just wanted to address the bill that is known far and wide,” said Sen. Cloud on the floor Tuesday afternoon. “We’ll be narrowing the scope and reducing its widespread implications. So, I’ll be coming back to you, maybe even tomorrow, for an amendment set for your review.”
Sources tell WWL Louisiana that the bill didn’t have a good chance of passing in the full senate, and when it does come back for debate, it will be heavily amended.
We’re talking about SB482, which is backed by Governor Jeff Landry, and seeks to put exceptions to public records laws for anything involving, “opinions, recommendations, and deliberations in formulating decisions or policies.”
It has been the subject of outrage from all sides because the wording could be applied broadly, which could deny Louisianians access to how their government works and how tax dollars are spent.
Even the non-partisan Louisiana Public Affairs Research Council called arguments in favor of this bill ‘hogwash.’
The bill has been put back on the calendar.
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