Subcommittee lays aside bill to shield minors' personal data in state internships (HB 1590)

Delegate Kent introduced HB 1590, a bill that would allow state agencies to withhold personal information for minors who participate in agency-run programs and internships. The measure, as explained by the patron, would not withhold program-level information such as participation counts or results; it would apply only to minors (persons 18 and under), the delegate said.

The bill drew questions about whether the FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) Council had reviewed the measure. Delegate Simon, who identified himself as chairman of the FOIA Council during the discussion, said the council had discussed the bill last year but that staff never received a formal referral letter. “We’ve had a lot of conversation at the FOIA Council about whether we want to continue to add exceptions without sort of a full vetting,” Delegate Simon said.

Executive Director Gernhardt of the FOIA Council confirmed the council did not receive a referral. “We did not get it referred to the council,” he said.

After discussion, the subcommittee voted to lay HB 1590 on the table. Delegate Simon moved to lay the bill on the table; the chair announced, “Delegate Kent, your bill is laid gently on the table, 52.” The patron acknowledged the action and left the meeting.

Why it matters: supporters said the bill would protect personally identifying information of minors who take part in state agency programs while preserving transparency about program operations. Opponents and FOIA Council members signaled concern about adding exceptions to public-records law without fuller review.

The subcommittee did not reach a substantive decision on the policy; instead, it deferred action by tabling the bill and noting that a formal referral to the FOIA Council would be needed for that body’s review.