Port blueprints in Louisiana could be made confidential for ‘national security’

(Courtesy Port of Greater Baton Rouge)

In the name of national security, the Louisiana Legislature plans to add another exemption to the Louisiana public records law, reports Louisiana Illuminator.

House Bill 249, sponsored by Rep. Mark Wright, R-Covington, would shield blueprints and floor plans for port facilities from public view. The House unanimously passed the bill last week.

Lawmakers passed a similar bill last year for airports and one for public school buildings in 2020. The Louisiana Press Association was initially against Wright’s bill but withdrew its opposition when Wright agreed to an amendment that allowed for the disclosure of a port’s plans and architectural renderings when they are used during a public bidding process. Read the entire story.