Argus Leader v. Hagen

Sep 12, 2007

24191

Versions:739 N.W.2d 475

2007 SD 96

2007 WL 2677484

2007 S.D. LEXIS 162

BASTIAN, Circuit Judge.

[¶ 1.] Thе Sioux Falls Argus Leader newspaper (Argus Leader) sought a writ of mandamus compelling James D. Hagen (Secretary Hagen), then Secretary of Tourism and State Development, 1 to release the invitation list for the 2005 Governor’s Invitational Pheasant Hunt (Governor’s Hunt). Argus Leader appeals from the decision of the circuit court denying its application for a writ of mandamus. We affirm.

FACTS AND PROCEDURAL HISTORY

[¶ 2.] The Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) is within the South Dakota Department of Tourism and State Development (Department). The purpose of GOED is to “forge a private-public partnership among state government, local communities, higher education, and the private sector to create jobs that create goods and services for use within the state and for export outside the state, which results in the creation of new wealth.” SDCL 1-52-3.2. GOED is to “seek new employment opportunities, strengthen existing employment opportunities, and spawn new and innovative economic development opportunities!!]” SDCL 1-52-3.3.

[¶ 3.] Department and GOED annually conduct the Governor’s Hunt to showcase the state to businesses and entrepreneurs with the potential to locate new businesses within the state or expand existing businesses within or into the state. The Governor’s Hunt is hosted by the Governor and funded by donations of sponsoring individuals and businesses; taxpayer funds are not used. GOED works with the Office of the Governor to formulate the invitation list. According to the Secretary’s affidavit, the invitees include targeted business prospects and individuals in the business community who can facilitate the expansion or introduction of business in the state. The list of business prospects invited to the Governor’s Hunt is used by GOED in an ongoing deliberative manner for further communication and business development.

[¶4.] On December 30, 2005, Argus Leader filed an application for an alternative writ of mandamus in the Sixth Judicial Circuit seeking access to the invitation list for the 2005 Governor’s Hunt. A hearing was held by the circuit court on March 6, 2006. The evidentiary record consists of the Secretary’s affidavit and exhibits submitted by Argus Leader.

[¶ 5.] The circuit court issued its memorandum decision denying Argus Leader’s application for a writ of mandamus on April 21, 2006, and subsequently entered findings of fact and conclusions of law. The circuit court concluded that Secretary Hagen was given discretion not to release the invitation list to the public under agency spеcific statutes. The court further held that the general public records statute, SDCL 1-27-1, did not require Secretary Hagen to keep the invitation list available and open for inspection because no statute mandates its retention. The circuit court did not address Secretary Ha-gen’s claim of executive privilege.

[¶ 6.] Argus Leader appeals claiming that the invitation list is a public record open to inspection under SDCL 1-27-1 and SDCL 1-26-2. Further, it argues that the agency specific statutes, SDCL 1-33-19.2 and SDCL 1-52-3.4, do not give the Secretary discretion to refuse to allow public inspection. It also asserts that executive privilege does not apply to the invitation list.

STANDARD OF REVIEW

[¶ 7.] The standard of review for the grant or denial of a writ of mandamus is abuse of discretion. Schafer v. Deuel County Bd. of Com’rs, 2006 SD 106, ¶ 4, 725 N.W.2d 241, 243 (citing Atkinson v. City of Pierre, 2005 SD 114, ¶ 10, 706 N.W.2d 791, 795; Lang v. Western Providers Physician Organization, 2004 SD 107, ¶ 7, 688 N.W.2d 403, 405; Black Hills Central RR Co. v. Hill City, 2003 SD 152, ¶ 9, 674 N.W.2d 31, 34). “ ‘An abuse of discretion refers to a discretion exercised to an end or purpose not justified by, and clearly against reason and evidence.’ ” Schafer, 2006 SD 106, ¶ 4, 725 N.W.2d at 243 (quoting Baker v. Atkinson, 2001 SD 49, ¶ 12, 625 N.W.2d 265, 270 (other citations omitted)). In applying this standard, this Court does not determine whether it would make а like decision, but rather whether a judicial mind, considering the law and the facts, could have reached a similar decision. Id. Questions of statutory interpretation and applicátion are reviewed under the de novo standard of review with no deference to the circuit court’s decision. Schafer, 2006 SD 106, ¶ 6, 725 N.W.2d at 243 (citing Lewis & Clark Rural Water Sys., Inc. v. Seeba, 2006 SD 7, ¶ 12, 709 N.W.2d 824, 830 (other citations omitted)).

ANALYSIS AND DECISION

ISSUE

[¶ 8.] Whether the circuit court abused its discretion in denying the writ of mandamus.

[¶ 9.] “ ‘[A] writ of mandamus is an extraordinary remedy that will issue only when the duty to act is clear[.]’” Wagner v. Wagner, 2006 SD 31, ¶ 10, 712 N.W.2d 653, 657 (quoting Baker, 2001 SD 49, ¶ 16, 625 N.W.2d at 271) (alteration in original). “ ‘To prevail in seeking a Writ of Mandamus, the petitioner must have a clear legal right to performance of the specific duty sought to be compelled and the respondent must have a definite legal obligation to perform that duty.’ ” Wagner, 2006 SD 31, ¶ 10, 712 N.W.2d at 657 (emphasis omitted) (quoting Baker, 2001 SD 49, ¶ 16, 625 N.W.2d at 271 (citing Sorrels v. Queen of Peace Hosp., 1998 SD 12, ¶ 6, 575 N.W.2d 240, 242)).

Mandamus is a potent, but precise remedy. Its power lies in its expediency; its precision in its narrow application. It commands the fulfillment of an existing legal duty, but creates no duty itself, and acts upon no doubtful or unsettled right.

Jensen v. Lincoln Co. Bd. of Com’rs, 2006 SD 61, ¶ 10, 718 N.W.2d 606, 610 (quoting Sorrels, 1998 SD 12, ¶ 6, 575 N.W.2d at 242). “[MJandamus is appropriate only when the duty to act is unequivocal.” Jensen, 2006 SD 61, ¶ 10, 718 N.W.2d at 610. Therefore, this Court must determine whether the Secretary has a clear and unequivocal duty to allow public inspection of the invitation list for the Governor’s Hunt.

A. SDCL 1-27-1

[¶ 10.] Argus Leader asserts that the invitation list is a public record which is open to inspection under SDCL 1-27-1. It cites to SDCL 1-27-9(2) and (4)(a) for a definition of a state agency record. 2 It argues that the Governor’s Hunt is an official government function and the invitation list is used in conducting ‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‍the Governor’s Hunt. It claims that the invitation list falls within the definition оf a public agency record.

[IT 11.] SDCL ch 1-27 pertains generally to public records and files. SDCL 1-27-1 provides, in relevant part:

If the keeping of a record, or the preservation of a document or other instrument is required of an officer or public servant under any statute of this state, the officer or public servant shall keep the record, document, or other instrument available and open to inspection by any person during normal business hours. Any employment examination or performance appraisal record main tained by the Bureau of Personnel is excluded from this requirement.

[¶ 12.] “Interpreting statutes according to their plain language is a primary rule of statutory construction.” State v. Young, 2001 SD 76, ¶ 6, 630 N.W.2d 85, 87 (citing Nickerson v. American States Ins., 2000 SD 121, ¶ 11, 616 N.W.2d 468, 470). SDCL 1-27-1 provides that a document is open to public inspection “[i]f the keeping of a record, or the preservation of a document or other instrument is required of an officer or public servant under any statute of this state[.]”

[¶ 13.] The intent of a statute is detеrmined from what the legislature said, rather than what the courts think it should have said, and the court must confine itself to the language used. Benson v. State of SD, 2006 SD 8, ¶ 71, 710 N.W.2d 131, 158 (quoting Martinmaas v. Engelmann, 2000 SD 85, ¶ 49, 612 N.W.2d 600, 611). Words and phrases in a statute must be given their plain meaning and effect. Id. When the language in a statute is clear, certain and unambiguous, there is no reason for construction, and the Court’s only function is to declare the meaning of the statute as clearly expressed. Id.

[¶ 14.] The language of SDCL 1-27-1 is clear and unambiguous. Argus Leader is correct that there is a prеsumption of openness under SDCL 1-27-1, but only if the record or document is required by statute to be kept or maintained. Argus Leader’s expansive interpretation of SDCL 1-27-1 would make every document generated by or in the possession of government a public record with the accompanying requirement that it be maintained. This would include such things as ephemeral notes and phone messages.

[¶ 15.] “In construing a statute, we presume ‘that the legislature did not intend an absurd or unreаsonable result’ from the application of the statute.” State v. Wilson, 2004 SD 33, ¶ 9, 678 N.W.2d 176, 180 (quoting State v. I-90 Truck Haven Service, Inc., 2003 SD 51, ¶ 3, 662 N.W.2d 288, 290) (citing Martinmaas, 2000 SD 85, ¶ 49, 612 N.W.2d at 611)). Argus Leader dismisses this argument by maintaining that “[reasonableness in the form of ‘common sense, democratic philosophy, constitutional principles and legislative reality’ ” tempers its position. This Court, however, must apply the language of the statutes as enacted by the legislature. SDCL 1-27-1 requires open inspection of any record required by statute to be maintained. Argus Leader concedes that thеre is no statutory requirement for Secretary Hagen to maintain a list of invitees to the Governor’s Hunt. The legislature has shown an ability to require that certain records be maintained and, therefore, open for inspection. 3

[¶ 16.] SDCL 1-27-1 does not give the Secretary a clear and unequivocal duty to allow public inspection of the invitation list for the Governor’s Hunt. Accordingly, mandamus cannot issue.

B. SDCL 1-26-2

[¶ 17.] Argus Leader also argues that the invitation list is open to public inspection pursuant to SDCL 1-26-2 which provides:

Each agency shall make available for public inspection all rules, final orders, decisions, opinions, intra-agency memo-randa, together with all other materials, written statements of policy or interpretations formulated, adopted, or used by the agency in the discharge of its functions. An agency shall hold confidential materials derogatory to a person but such information shall be made available to the person to whom it relates,

(emphasis added). It argues that the Department is an agency under SDCL ch 1-26, that the invitation list is “other materials” and the Governor’s Hunt is a function of the Department. Therefore, Argus Leader argues that SDCL 1-26-2 compels the Department to provide public access.

[¶ 18.] Under the canon of statutory construction known as ejusdem gener- ts, “ ‘where general words follow the enumeration of particular classes of things, the general words will be construed as applying only to things of the same general class as those enumerated.’ ” Nielson v. AT & T Corp., 1999 SD 99, ¶ 15, 597 N.W.2d 434, 439 (quoting In re Grievance of Wendell, 1998 SD 130, ¶ 7, 587 N.W.2d 595, 597 (quoting Black’s Law Dictionary 517 (6th ed 1990))). Therefore, the meaning of “all other materials” in SDCL 1-26-2 is discerned by considering the ‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‍context in which it is used.

[¶ 19.] SDCL ch 1-26 is the South Dakota Administrative Procedures Act. It addresses the promulgation of administrative rules and the conduct of contested administrative hearings. Applying the principle of ejusdem generis, “all other materials” is limited to the context of promulgation of administrative rules and resolution of administrative proceedings. Construing the language “all other materials” to provide public inspection of any document in the possession of an agency would be an absurd and unreasonable application of the statute. Therefore, SDCL 1-26-2 does not mandate the public inspection of the invitation list.

C. Agency Specific Statutes

[¶ 20.] The legislature has created limitations to the open inspection policy of SDCL 1-27-1. SDCL 1-27-3 provides that “Section 1-27-1 shall not apply to such records as are specifically enjoined to be held confidential or secret by the laws requiring them to be so kept.” Additionally, SDCL 1-27-33 provides:

The provisions of this chapter do not supersеde more specific provisions regarding public access or confidentiality elsewhere in state or federal law.

[¶21.] The latter statute is consistent with the rule of statutory construction which provides that “ ‘[w]hen the question is which of two enactments the legislature intended to apply to a particular situation, terms of a statute relating to a particular subject will prevail over the general terms of another statute.’ ” Benson, 2006 SD 8, ¶ 71, 710 N.W.2d at 158 (quoting Martinmaas, 2000 SD 85, ¶ 49, 612 N.W.2d at 611) (other citations omitted).

[¶ 22.] Two statutes are primarily at issue. SDCL 1-33-19.2 provides:

The secretary shall maintain thе confidentiality of any information given to GOED or the Economic Development Finance Authority, the South Dakota Development Corporation, and the Board of Economic Development.

[¶ 23.] SDCL 1-52-3.4 (formerly SDCL 1-33-19.1) provides:

All information received by the Governor’s Office of Economic Development shall be open to public inspection if it appears to the secretary that such inspection may assist in carrying out or furthering the purposes of the office, еxcept- if the provider of such information requests that the information remain confidential and not be open to public inspection. The secretary shall supply at cost, copies of any such information.

[¶ 24.] The question is whether these statutes give the Secretary a clear and unequivocal duty to make the invitation list available and open for public inspection.

[¶ 25.] Since statutes must be construed according to their intent, the intent must be determinеd from the statute as a whole, as well as enactments relating to the same subject. Moss v. Guttormson, 1996 SD 76, ¶ 10, 551 N.W.2d 14, 17 (citing U.S. West Communications, Inc. v. Public Util. Comm’n, 505 N.W.2d 115, 122-23 (S.D.1993)). But, in construing statutes together it is presumed that the legislature did not intend an absurd or unreasonable result. Id. “[W]here statutes appear to conflict, it is our responsibility to give reasonable construction to both, and if possible, to give effect to all provisions under consideration, construing them together to make them ‘harmonious and workable.’ ” Wiersma v. Maple Leaf Farms, 1996 SD 16, ¶ 4, 543 N.W.2d 787, 789.

[¶ 26.] GOED was originally created within the Dеpartment of Executive Management. See SDCL 1-33-15 (transferred to § 1-52-3.1 by 2005 SDSessL ch 10, § 10). In 2003 Executive Reorganization Order 2003-01 abolished the Department of Tourism and created the Department of Tourism and State Development. 2003 SDSessL ch 272, §§ 58 and 59. GOED and its functions were transferred from the Department of Executive Management to the Department of Tourism and State Development. SDCL 1-52-3. The duties of the Governor’s Commissioner for Economic Development were transferred to the Secretary of the Department of Tourism and State Development. SDCL 1-52-3. However, SDCL 1-33-18 through 1-33-19.2 were not transferred to SDCL ch 1-52 at that time. 4 In 2005 the legislature corrected various references in the statutory code. See 2005 SDSessL ch 10. SDCL 1-33-18 to 1-33-19.1 were transferred to SDCL 1-52-3.2 to 1-52-3.4.2005 SDSessL ch 10, §§ 14 to 16. Inexplicably, SDCL 1-33-19.2 was left behind in SDCL ch 1-33.

[¶ 27.] SDCL 1-33-19.2 requires the Secretary to “maintain the confidentiality” of any information given to GOED or the Economic Development Finance Authority, the South Dakota Development Corporation, and the Board of Economic Development. 5 (emphasis added). Other statutes protect certain information provided to the agencies listed in SDCL 1 — 33— 19.2. SDCL 1-16B-14.1 protects trade secrets and commercial or financial information received by the Economic Development Finance Authority. SDCL 1-16G-11 protects trade secrets and commercial or financial information ‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‍received by the Board of Economic Development or GOED.

[¶ 28.] The plain and ordinary meaning of “maintain” is “to continue; carry on; ... to preserve or keep in a given condition.” The American Heritage Dictionary 757 (2d College ed 1982). SDCL 1-33-19.2 must be considered together with SDCL 1-16B-14.1 and SDCL 1-16G-11. Contrary to the Secretary’s argument, SDCL 1-33-19.2 dоes not create confidentiality for information, rather it mandates that the Secretary continue (ie. maintain) the confidentiality of confidential information received by agencies under his authority. The invitation list itself is not a trade secret or other confidential information that is covered by SDCL 1-33-19.2. However, this determination does not mandate disclosure, particularly when the statute is considered in conjunction with its companion statute, SDCL 1-52-3.4, and the law that is applicable to mandamus.

[¶ 29.] SDCL 1-52-3.4 provides that “[a]ll information received” by GOED “shall be open to public inspection if it appears to the secretary that such inspection may assist in carrying out or furthering the purpose of the office, except if the provider of such information requests that the information remain confidential and not open to public inspection.” Here, the right to public inspection is conditional. Under this statute the legislature has given the Secretary discretion as to mоst of the information received by GOED. The provider of the information may prevent the Secretary from exercising his discretion. By its plain wording SDCL 1-52-3.4 limits disclosure of GOED information to that which “may assist in carrying out or furthering the purpose of the office[.]” Further, the statute gives the Secretary the discretion to make that determination.

[¶ 30.] In this case the Secretary averred that some of the persons invited to the Governor’s Hunt are specifically targeted business prospects and individuals in the business community of South Dakota who can facilitate the expansion or introduction of business in South Dakota. The prospects “are considered in an ongoing deliberative manner to target them for additional communication and solicitation.” The Secretary further stated that when a list of attendees of the Governor’s Invitational Buffalo Roundup was released, it was used by others for solicitation and resulted in an adverse reaction by attendees. The Secretary further stated that public dissemination of the list could lead to the disruption of business opportunities and business development. Thus, the Secretary determined that disclosure of the Governor’s Hunt list did not “assist in carrying out or furthering the purpose” of GOED. The Secretary exercised the discretion allowed to him ,under the statute and declined to make the list available to the public.

[¶ 31.] This Court has previously recognized “the State’s neеd for some modicum of confidentiality” while operating in the arena of private enterprise. Breck v. Janklow, 2001 SD 28, ¶ 28, 623 N.W.2d 449, 458. “We should not adopt an interpretation of a statute that renders the statute meaningless when the [[legislature obviously passed it for a reason.” Peterson v. Burns, 2001 SD 126, ¶ 30, 635 N.W.2d 556, 567-568 (citing Faircloth v. Raven Ind., Inc., 2000 SD 158, ¶ 9, 620 N.W.2d 198, 202). The legislature has created a statutory scheme that protects certain confidential information and allows for disclosure of other information under certain circumstances.

[¶ 32.] Moreover, when read in harmony, SDCL 1-27-1, 1-27-3, 1-27-33, 1-33-19.2 and 1-52-3.4 fail to provide the Secretary with a clear and unequivocal duty to provide public inspection of the invitation list and mandamus cannot issue.

D. Executive Privilege

[¶ 33.] Secretary Hagen also argues that he is entitled to keep the invitation list confidential on the basis of executive privilege. Given our analysis above, it is not necessary to reach this issue.

E. Constitutional Issues

[¶ 34.] This Court allowed the Associated Press, South Dakota Broadcasters’ Association, and South Dakota Newspaper Associatiоn to submit an ami-cus curiae brief in which they raise for the first time arguments that SDCL 1-33-19.2 violates the First Amendment to the United States Constitution. This claim was not previously raised by Argus Leader or considered by the trial court. Because the trial court did not rule on this issue, we decline to consider it. Beckel v. Gerber, 1998 SD 48, ¶ 24, 578 N.W.2d 574, 579 (citing Carr v. Core Indus., 392 N.W.2d 829, 830 (S.D.1986); Mash v. Cutler, 488 N.W.2d 642, 648 (S.D.1992)). We also note that the Attorney General did not have an opportunity to participate before the trial court. “[W]hen an adjudication of unconstitutionality may seriously affect the gеneral public, it is proper for the Attorney General to appear on behalf of the [[legislature and the people.” West Two Rivers Ranch v. Pennington Cty., 1996 SD 70, ¶ 15, 549 N.W.2d 683, 687. See also SDCL 15—6—24(c).

[¶ 35.] We have recognized an exception when the constitutional question is a matter of considerable importance to the public policy of the state. Boever v. Board of Accountancy, 526 N.W.2d 747, 751 (S.D.1995) (citing Sharp v. Sharp, 422 N.W.2d 443, 446 (S.D.1988)). However, we have not automatically followed this exception unless the matter is an “existing emergency.” Id. As we stated in Johnson v. Powder River Transp., 2002 SD 23, 640 N.W.2d 739:

While this is a matter of substantial importance, this is nоt a matter of existing emergency. Given the situation as it is presented on appeal, we do not reach the issue. The people have a right to present their arguments, and that opportunity is waiting.

Johnson, 2002 SD 23, ¶ 32, 640 N.W.2d at 745 (citing Sharp, 422 N.W.2d at 446).

CONCLUSION

[¶ 36.] This case involves a question of statutory construction. The constitutional issue is not before us for the reasons expressed above. The remedy sought by the Argus Leader lies with the legislature. There is no statutory provision which creates a clear and unequivоcal duty for the Secretary to make the invitation list available to the public. Absent such a duty, mandamus is not appropriate. The trial court did not abuse its discretion in denying the writ.

[¶ 37.] Affirmed.

[¶ 38.] SEVERSON, VON WALD, RUSCH and JENSEN, Circuit Judges, sitting by appointment, concur. [¶ 39.] BASTIAN, SEVERSON, VON WALD, RUSCH, and JENSEN, Circuit Judges, sitting for GILBERTSON, ‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‍Chief Justice, SABERS, KONENKAMP, ZINTER, and MEIERHENRY, Justices, disqualified.

Notes

. Hagen resigned as Secretary after this mandamus action was filed.

. SDCL 1-27-9 provides in pertinent part:

As used in §§ 1-27-9 to 1-27-18, inclusive:

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(2) “Record” means document, book, paper, photograph, sound recording, or other material, regardless of physical form or characteristics, made or received pursuant to law or ordinance or in connection with the transaction of official business. Library and museum material made or acquired and preserved solely for reference or exhibition purposes, extra copies of documents preserved only for convenience of reference, and stocks of publications and of processed documents are not included within the definition of records as used in §§ 1-27-9 to 1-27-18, inclusive; ■

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(4) “State record” means:

(a) A record of a department, office, commission, board, or other agency, however designated, of the state governmentf]

. See e.g. SDCL 1-25-3 ("Any board or commission of the various departments of the State of South Dakota shall keep detailed minutes of the proceedings of all regular or special meetings. The minutes shall be available for inspection by the public at all times at the principal place of business of the board or commission.”); SDCL 4-1-2 (“A record of the proceedings of the State Board of Finance shall be kept in the Office of the Secretary of State and be open at all times to public inspection."); SDCL 4-8A-8 ("The Bureau of Finance and Management shall keep a record of all authorizations of transfers and make them available for public inspection.”); SDCL 4-11-3 (Special audit, investigation or examination of any charitable or nonprofit corporation on Governor's order filed with Secretary of State and open to public inspection); SDCL 5-18-18.2 ("A record of the names of the suppliers, the quotations received and the procurement procedures used in purchasing shall be documented, spread upon the minutes and retained on file by the governing board” of local unit of government.); SDCL 6-17-11 ("The person in charge of an election shall preserve all petitions requesting a resоlution for at least two years. The petitions are open to public inspection upon reasonable request.”); SDCL 7-18A-23 ("The auditor shall preserve all petitions invoking the referendum for at least two years. The petitions shall be open to public inspection upon reasonable request.”); SDCL 10-12-7 (local levies filed with county auditor as permanent record and open to public inspection); SDCL 12-4-2 (county auditor to maintain voter registration records); SDCL 13-8-43 ("All reports, books, records, contracts, and papers in the office of the business manager relating to school business in the district shall be retained in the office of the business manager[.]”); SDCL 26-6-11 ("The final reports of inspections required by this chapter shall be kept on file by the Department of Social Services and shall be open to public inspection.”); SDCL 40-37-18 (“The secretary-treasurer of each predator control district shall keep accurate records of the proceedings of the board of directors and of all receipts and disbursements of district funds. Such records shall be open to public inspection.”); SDCL 46A-9-37 (The board of directors of water user districts "shall cause to be kept accurate minutes of its meetings and accurate records and books of account, conforming to approved methods of bookkeeping, clearly setting out and reflecting the entire operation, management, and business of the district.”). This list is not exhaustive, but demonstrates that the legislature knows how to require that a record or document be maintained or kept.

. SDCL 1-33-18 addressed the purpose of GOED. SDCL 1-33-19 outlined the functions of GOED. SDCL 1-33-19.1 and 1-33-19.2 both addressed the treatment of information in the possession of GOED.

. Argus Leader argues that the title of the statute, "Confidentiality of certain information,” is significant in determining its meaning. (emphasis supplied). Argus Leader relies on LaBore v. Muth, 473 N.W.2d 485, 488 (S.D.1991) which held "[w]hen called upon to construe statutes, this court may look to the legislative history, title, and the total content of the legislation to ascertain the meaning.” Argus Leader’s reliance is misplaced. In La-Bore, the Court relied on three cases: In re Certification of Question of Law, 402 N.W.2d 340 (S.D.1987); Oahe Conservancy Subdistrict v. Janklow, 308 N.W.2d 559 (S.D.1981); and Elfring v. Paterson, 66 S.D. 458, 285 N.W. 443 (1939). A review of those cases indicates that by the word "title” the Court was referring to the title of the legislative act, not the heading of the statute. In re Certification of Question of Law, 402 N.W.2d at 342 (the court may refer to the title of the legislation in an effort to interpret the statute at issue); Elfring, 285 N.W. at 445 (the language of the act, including its title, the history of its enactment, and the state of the law already in existence ‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‍bearing on the subject, are all proрerly considered by the courts in arriving at the legislative intention); Oahe Conservancy Subdistrict, 308 N.W.2d at 562 (where the court recognized that legislative history may assist in determining the meaning of a statute but made no reference to any analysis of the title). This Court has held that the “title or heading of a statute may not be used to lessen or expand the meaning of the statute.” In re Certification of Question of Law, 402 N.W.2d at 343 (citing Olson v. City of Sioux Falls, 63 S.D. 563, 262 N.W. 85, 86 (1935)). See also SDCL 2-14-9 ("Source notes, cross-references, and titles whether designating entire titles, parts, chapters, sections, or subdivisions, constitute no part of any statute.”); Brim v. SD Board of Pardons & Paroles, 1997 SD 48, ¶ 15, 563 N.W.2d 812, 815.