SENATE BILL REPORT

                                    SB 6323

                            AS OF FEBRUARY 5, 1992

Brief Description:  Concerning access to public records.

SPONSORS: Senators Matson, Moore, Anderson and McMullen; by request of Trade and Economic Development

SENATE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE & LABOR

Staff:  Patrick Woods (786‑7430)

Hearing Dates: February 6, 1992

BACKGROUND:

The Community Economic Revitalization Board (CERB) was established in 1982 to provide loans, or grants in unique circumstances, to political subdivisions (cities, counties, ports and special utility districts) for public facilities which will result in specific private sector investment and permanent job opportunities.  Funds can be used for any public facility including but not limited to sewer, water, access roads, port facilities and improvements to state highways.  Applications must include evidence that private development or expansion is ready to occur and will only occur if CERB funds are provided.  Eligible private development includes:  manufacturing, production, food processing, assembly, warehousing, industrial distribution, recycling or businesses that support the trading of goods and services outside the state's borders.

As a public agency, the Community Economic Revitalization Board's applications are considered public information and as such subject to public disclosure unless specifically exempt from the Public Records Disclosure Act.  The board's applications may contain business plans or financial information from private firms in order to substantiate job and investment projections.

Currently, the development loan fund and any program contained in the statutes for the Department of Trade and Economic Development or the Department of Community Development are covered by an exemption to the disclosure law. 

SUMMARY:

The Community Economic Revitalization Board statute is added to the list of those programs currently exempt under the Public Records Disclosure Act and thereby exempt from public inspection and copying. 

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  requested February 5, 1992