SB 12-153: Sunshine in Litigation Act

• Creates a rebuttable presumption that information concerning public hazards must be disclosed in court actions, overriding sealing of court records and protective orders.

• Courts may only limit disclosure to parties if the objecting party proves by clear and convincing evidence that the information is irrelevant to the hazard, not useful to the public for self-protection, involves a specific economic interest that outweighs public health concerns, and no less restrictive means exist to protect that interest.

• Voids any agreement, contract, or settlement condition that conceals information about public hazards, with courts authorized to impose sanctions including dismissal, default judgment, or exclusion of evidence.

• Allows nonparties including news media representatives to intervene in protective order motions and permits any person to file a violation notice with the court if they learn of an agreement breaching the act.

• Takes effect upon governor's signature and applies to all pending actions and orders entered on or after the effective date.