Public records-DOC investigations.

Plain English Breakdown

The official source material does not provide specific implementation details or consequences if the Attorney General denies approval.

Public Records Act Changes for DOC Investigations

This law changes Wyoming's Public Records Act to allow the Department of Corrections Investigation Services Unit to keep certain investigation records secret with approval from the Attorney General.

What This Bill Does

• Amends a part of the Wyoming Public Records Act that allows custodians to deny access to some investigation records.
• Includes the Department of Corrections Investigation Services Unit in this exception, allowing them to withhold their investigation files if approved by the Attorney General.

Who It Names or Affects

• The custodians who manage public records in Wyoming.
• People or organizations that request access to these records.
• The Department of Corrections Investigation Services Unit and the Attorney General.

Terms To Know

Custodian

A person responsible for managing and maintaining public records.

Investigatory Records Disclosure Exception

An exception that allows certain investigation files to be kept secret from the public under specific conditions.

Limits and Unknowns

• The law only applies to records managed by the Department of Corrections Investigation Services Unit.
• It does not specify what happens if the Attorney General denies approval for keeping records secret.
• The exact details on how this change will be implemented are not provided.

Official Summary Text

Bill Summary - 24LSO-0048

Bill No.:

SF0035

Effective:

7/1/2024

LSO No.:

24LSO-0048

Enrolled Act No.:

SEA No. 0047

Chapter No.:

88

Prime Sponsor:

Joint Judiciary Interim Committee

Catch Title:

Public records-DOC investigations.

Has Report:

No

Subject:

Wyoming Public Records Act.

Summary/Major Elements:

The Wyoming Public Records Act contains exceptions that allow a custodian of public records to deny the right of inspection of records, unless otherwise provided by law, on the ground that disclosure to the applicant would be contrary to the public interest.

One exception, sometimes referred to as the investigatory records exception, applies to records of investigations conducted by, or of intelligence information or security procedures of, any sheriff, county attorney, city attorney, the attorney general, the state auditor, police department or any investigatory files compiled for any other law enforcement or prosecution purposes.

This act amends the investigatory records exception to include the Department of Corrections Investigation Services Unit, allowing a custodian to deny the right of inspection of records of investigations conducted by, or of intelligence information or security procedures of, the Department of Corrections Investigation Services Unit upon approval by the Attorney General.
The above summary is not an official publication of the Wyoming Legislature and is not an official statement of legislative intent.

While the Legislative Service Office endeavored to provide accurate information in this summary, it should not be relied upon as a comprehensive abstract of the bill.

Current Bill Text

24LSO-0048

ORIGINAL Senate

File No
.
SF0035

ENROLLED ACT NO. 47,

SENATE

SIXTY-SEVENTH LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WYOMING
2024 Budget Session

AN ACT relating to public records; applying the investigatory records disclosure exception to department of corrections records as specified; and providing for an effective date.

Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Wyoming:

Section 1
.

W.S. 16
‑
4
‑
203(b)(i) is amended to read:

16
‑
4
‑
203.

Right of inspection; grounds for denial; access of news media; order permitting or restricting disclosure; exceptions.

(b)

The custodian may deny the right of inspection of the following records, unless otherwise provided by law, on the ground that disclosure to the applicant would be contrary to the public interest:

(i)

Records of investigations conducted by, or of intelligence information or security procedures of, any sheriff, county attorney, city attorney, the attorney general, the state auditor, police department
, upon approval by the attorney general the department of corrections investigation services unit
or any investigatory files compiled for any other law enforcement or prosecution purposes;

Section 2
.

This act is effective July 1, 2024
.

(END)

Speaker of the House

President of the Senate

Governor

TIME APPROVED: _________

DATE APPROVED: _________

I hereby certify that this act originated in the Senate.

Chief Clerk

1