Bill > SB330

This bill establishes new rules for data centers in Kentucky, aiming to increase transparency and prevent public agencies from entering into agreements that hide information beyond what state law already allows. It defines "data center" as a facility for storing, managing, and processing digital data, and "nondisclosure or confidentiality agreement" as any contract that restricts discussing its terms beyond statutory limits. The bill explicitly states that any contract related to a data center that tries to bypass or expand upon Kentucky's Open Records Act (which governs public access to government documents) or Open Meetings Act (which governs public access to government meetings) is void. Furthermore, when certain actions are taken regarding a data center, such as signing a development agreement, issuing permits, or approving special utility rates, specific information must be made public, including the owner's identity, project location, financial incentives received, public infrastructure contributions, and projected or actual utility usage and environmental impacts, though trade secrets are still protected. Aggregated data about a data center's impact on utility rates, grid reliability, pollution, public infrastructure, and expenditures will not be considered confidential simply because it relates to a data center, but proprietary technical details will remain protected. Finally, the bill prohibits agreements from preventing local officials, utility boards, or regulatory agencies from discussing data center impacts or from restricting public participation in required hearings or proceedings.

https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/record/26RS/sb330.html