State transportation agencies are required to collect and analyze safety-related and other data under federal law, and that information is frequently used in public outreach, safety studies, litigation, and responses to public records requests. The collection, retention, and release of this data are subject to recordkeeping requirements, privacy considerations, 23 USC 407, and other state and federal laws. TRB hosted a webinar on Thursday, April 30, 2026 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM Eastern that examined the legal implications associated with data collected in the normal course of agency business and explored how those requirements affect day-to-day technical and programmatic activities. Presenters reviewed key legal concepts, outlined regulatory considerations, and offered practical strategies for navigating data collection, retention, and disclosure requirements.
This webinar was sponsored by TRB’s Standing Technical Committee on Safety, Risk Management and Tort Liability.
The slides are available.
 
Webinar agenda and presenters

• Public records legal issues – Heidi Skinner, The City of National City
• Public records legal issues – Gary Holtmeyer, Missouri Department of Transportation
• Question and answer session moderated by Joshua Root, Minnesota Department of Transportation

The first 40 minutes of the webinar were for presentations and the final 20 minutes will be reserved for audience questions.
 
Learning Objectives
At the end of this webinar, participants can:

• Identify and explain key legal concepts related to public records collection and retention
• Develop or refine plans to address data collection, retention, and release requirements

 
Professional Development Hours
This webinar was delivered as a scheduled – e-learning live event and is categorized within RCEP as Technical, Health and Safety.
Professional Development Hours (PDHs) earned on completion of this program were reported to the Registered Continuing Education Program (RCEP). Certificates of Completion are issued to all participants via the RCEP.net online system. Complaints about registered providers may be addressed to RCEP, 1015 15th Street, NW, 8th Fl., Washington, DC, 20005.
Continuing Legal Education Credits
TRB offered 1 CLE credit for this webinar. TRB did not seek approval for this webinar from the state board. Registered webinar attendees who signed in and viewed the entire webinar received a link to a certificate that they can fill out and provide to the appropriate MCLE Board(s) or Commission(s) within 30 days of activity.