Opinion ID: 1320094
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Do FOIA exemptions apply to render the information confidential?

Text: Appellants argue the information in question is not subject to disclosure because it falls within an FOIA exemption under S.C.Code Ann. § 30-4-40(a)(2) (1991). This section provides an exemption for: (2) Information of a personal nature where the public disclosure thereof would constitute unreasonable invasion of personal privacy, including, but not limited to, information as to gross receipts contained in applications for business licenses. This Court has held that exemptions to the FOIA found in § 30-4-40, and specifically subsection (a)(2), create no duty of confidentiality. Bellamy v. Brown, 305 S.C. 291, 408 S.E.2d 219 (1991). The purpose of the FOIA is to protect the public from secret government activity. The exemptions impose no duty not to disclose but simply allow the public agency the discretion to withhold exempted material from disclosure. Id. In this case, the public agency (Tax Commission) wishes to exercise its discretion in favor of disclosure and is not seeking to invoke an exemption. Since § 30-4-40(a)(2) creates no duty of confidentiality, Tax Commission may disclose the information. Appellants also contend the exemption for trade secrets found in § 30-4-40(a)(1) prevents disclosure. Again, under this Court's decision in Bellamy, supra, even if the information qualifies as trade secrets, the exemption creates no duty of confidentiality and Tax Commission may disclose it at its discretion. In conclusion, the FOIA exemptions do not prevent disclosure of the information in question.