CS/HB 649 Summary

• Adds a public records exemption for proprietary confidential business information held by electric utilities during due diligence reviews of electric projects or projects to improve fuel/renewable energy delivery, cost, or diversification.

• Defines proprietary confidential business information to include trade secrets, internal audit controls and reports, security measures, bid information, and competitive business data that would cause harm if disclosed.

• Requires all proprietary confidential business information covered by the exemption to be retained for 1 year after the due diligence review is completed and the utility decides whether to participate in the project.

• Makes the exemption subject to the Open Government Sunset Review Act and repeals it on October 2, 2018, unless the Legislature votes to reenact it.

• Takes effect July 1, 2013.