Sec. 1. 5 MRSA §9057, sub-§6, as amended by PL 1997, c. 271, §1, is further amended to read:

6. Confidential information. Information may be disclosed that is confidential pursuant to Title 22, chapters 958-A and 1071 and sections 7703 and 1828; Title 24, section 2506; and Title 34-A, except for information, the disclosure of which is absolutely prohibited under Title 34-A, section 3003 1216. Disclosure may be only for the determination of issues involving unemployment compensation proceedings relating to a state employee, state agency personnel actions and professional or occupational board licensure, certification or registration.

A. For the purpose of this subsection, "hearing officer" means presiding officer, judge, board chairman chair, arbitrator or any other person considered responsible for conducting a proceeding or hearing subject to this subsection. In the case of the Civil Service Appeals Board, the presiding officer is the entire board. "Employees of the agency" means employees of a state agency or department or members, agents or employees of a board who are directly related to and whose official duties involve the matter at issue.

B. The confidential information disclosed pursuant to this subsection is subject to the following limitations:

(1) The hearing officer determines that introduction of the confidential information is necessary for the determination of an issue before the hearing officer;

(2) During the introduction of confidential information, the proceeding is open only to the hearing officer, employees of the agency, parties, parties' representatives, counsel of record and the witness testifying regarding the information, and access to the information is limited to these people. Disclosure is limited to information directly related to the matter at issue;

(3) Witnesses are sequestered during the introduction of confidential information, except when offering testimony at the proceeding;

(4) The names or identities of reporters of confidential information or of other persons may not be disclosed, except when disclosure is determined necessary and relevant by the hearing officer; and