Senate debates governor’s public records exemption

Senators are considering whether to open to public view more records from the governor’s office. Republican Sen. Robert Adley, R-Benton, has failed in previous attempts to limit the governor’s public records exemption, with staunch opposition from Gov. Bobby Jindal’s administration. With heightened tensions between Jindal and the Legislature, lawmakers are taking another look at the idea. The Senate is scheduled to debate Adley’s bill this afternoon. Adley’s bill keeps communications between the governor and his staff confidential. But it would remove a provision that keeps secret those records pertaining to the governor’s “deliberative process,” language he says has been so broadly interpreted that records in other state departments have been withheld. The administration says the proposed change would limit the governor’s ability to get candid advice.