Committee approves technical cleanup to KRS 109.045 to clarify records and contractor roles

Representative Jared Balman, the bill sponsor, told the committee that House Bill 667 is a "bit of a cleanup" to House Bill 135 (the 2024 amendment of KRS 109.045) after practical shortcomings emerged during implementation. He said the changes address "indirect acquisition of protected information, the role of contractors and consultants, interactions with open records act, and appropriate remedial steps when protected material is obtained."

The committee offered a motion and second and, after the clerk called the role, the chair announced the measure had received 13 yes votes and "passes with favorable expression." Sponsors said the intent is to make the statute operate consistently with the original policy objectives adopted in 2024.

The bill as presented clarifies responsibilities for entities that interact with protected material and tightens the statutory language to reduce ambiguity about who may be liable when protected records are obtained indirectly. No member requested floor amendments during the committee vote.

The committee recorded the vote and the chair said the bill "should pass on the House floor."