Sec. 8. (a) The identity of any individual who discloses in good faith to the inspector general information alleging a violation of a state or federal statute, rule, regulation, or ordinance is confidential and may not be disclosed to anyone other than the governor, the staff of the office of the inspector general, or an authority to whom the investigation is subsequently referred or certified, unless:

(1) the inspector general makes a written determination that it is in the public interest to disclose the individual's identity; or

(2) the individual consents in writing to disclosure of the individual's identity.

(b) The investigative records of the inspector general may be kept confidential in whole or in part.

(c) This subsection does not apply to a person who is a party to an action brought by the inspector general. Information received by the inspector general is not required to be produced in the course of discovery unless ordered by a court after a showing of:

(1) particularized need; and

(2) proof that the information requested cannot be obtained from any other source.

(d) Except as provided in subsection (e), a person who knowingly or intentionally discloses:

(1) confidential information or records; or

(2) the identity of a person whose identity is confidential under subsection (a);

commits unlawful disclosure of confidential information, a Class A misdemeanor.

(e) A person may disclose confidential information or records or the identity of a person whose identity is confidential under subsection (a) if the governor authorizes the disclosure of this information in the public interest.

As added by P.L.222-2005, SEC.14.