MT HB271

Replaces the common law executive privilege established by the Montana Supreme Court in O'Neill v. Gianforte (2025 MT 2) with a narrower statutory executive exemption that allows the governor to withhold public information only when individual privacy interests clearly outweigh public disclosure merits.

Explicitly excludes policy, politics, and legislative matters from the governor's privacy interest claims, and requires any redactions to be narrowly tailored to specific information.

Sets expiration limits on executive exemptions: they expire when the underlying issue is resolved, and are automatically waived when information is voluntarily disclosed to third parties.

Changes attorney fee awards from discretionary ("may") to mandatory ("shall") for prevailing parties in public records litigation brought under the Montana Constitution's Right to Know provision.

Takes effect immediately upon passage and approval.