MS SB2617

Exempts documents, records, data, protocols, and materials created or collected during academic research at community colleges and state institutions of higher learning from the Mississippi Public Records Act.

Exempts unpublished manuscripts, preliminary analyses, drafts of scientific or academic papers, plans or proposals for future research, and prepublication peer reviews from public records disclosure requirements.

Removes exemption for academic research that has been published, copyrighted, or patented unless another exemption applies, information was provided under a written confidentiality agreement, disclosure could harm intellectual property protection, or disclosure poses danger to persons or property.

Maintains existing exemptions for test questions and answers intended for future academic examinations and letters of recommendation for educational admission.

Takes effect July 1, 2013.