ND House votes to make higher ed applicant records confidential

BISMARCK—North Dakota lawmakers passed legislation Thursday, Feb. 9 to make applicants for the state's top higher education jobs confidential.

House Bill 1333, introduced by Rep. Rich Becker, R-Grand Forks, would shield from public view records that could identify an applicant for chancellor of the North Dakota University System or president of a state university until the applicant becomes a finalist. The bill defines "finalist" as an applicant who agrees to be interviewed by a hiring authority.

The authority is required to disclose the number of applicants or candidates for a position under the bill.

Becker said the state's higher education institutions are missing out on top talent because they're wary of North Dakota's open records laws. But opponents said taxpayers have a right to know who is applying for those positions.

Read more: http://www.inforum.com/news/4215096-nd-house-votes-make-higher-ed-applicant-records-confidential