Security Bill Shields Transparency

Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry has signed a number of bills into law, getting most of what he wanted, but not everything. This is significant for the citizens of Louisiana, despite having a Republican-led government. One bill that hasn't been made public to this reporter is the one sponsored by Mike Johnson (R-Pineville, not that M.J.), which will shield the whereabouts of the First family when they are in public. The bill was initially intended to protect the information of public employees. However, as often happens in the last days of legislative sessions, a provision was inserted with limited discussions and public knowledge, curtailing serious debate.

Governor Landry himself inserted the provision, knowing that the closing timeline would prevent Republicans from questioning why the provision was not a stand-alone request. Johnson argued that the bill is for the safety of the governor's family, but it is doubtful that any immediate family member would go anywhere alone. The public is assured that the governor has a top-notch security detail to protect him and his family. So why the secrecy now when, under the current law, information is made public seven days after any event? The law had been working very well. No one knew what had happened since an event had passed unless the information had not been released by the governor's office.

Nonetheless, there is some doubt that Landry might abuse the law if signed, as it takes away some transparency of his activities, not those of his wife or son. Republican governors across the nation, with Republican-dominated states, are pushing more legislation to keep their activities away from public scrutiny, especially the media. The old law works fine. The big question is whether the governor will use the law, if signed, to keep certain activities from the public. Governors have been known to leave the state without anyone knowing, except perhaps their pet dog. As the old saying goes, whatever is done in the dark will come to light. Remember former Florida governor Ron DeSantis when his motorcade was involved in a minor accident, but no one knew he had left the state. It can happen. Bad bill for the public.