The governor's office has been exempt from the state's public records law since the law was put in place more than 60 years ago. Contracts and documents that involve spending money aren't exempt, however.

The proposal by Representative Wayne Waddell, of Shreveport, would limit the governor's public records exemption to the governor, his executive counsel and his chief of staff. All other documents in the office would be open to public scrutiny.

The House and Governmental Affairs Committee yesterday supported the measure over the opposition of Governor Bobby Jindal's executive counsel, Jimmy Faircloth. He says Jindal wants to limit the public records exemption for the governor to take out dozens of agencies and commissions that get the exemption, but he said Waddell's bill was too restrictive.

Faircloth said the proposal would create problems for the governor to freely receive ideas, policy recommendations and communications from legislators and the public.

Carl Redman, representing the Louisiana Press Association, supported Waddell's bill, saying lawmakers should limit blanket allowances to hide records from the public and instead, should shield specific types of documents lawmakers feel should be confidential.

Waddell's proposal heads next to the full House for debate.

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