A bill to protect the safety of judges and certain other individuals; to protect certain information of judges and certain other individuals from disclosure; to provide for the powers and duties of certain state and local governmental officers and certain other people and entities; and to provide remedies.
The bill outlines the responsibilities of state and local government officers and other entities in safeguarding this information. It defines key terms such as "judge," "immediate family member," and "personal identifying information," which includes details like residential addresses, phone numbers, Social Security numbers, and employment locations. The bill also specifies what constitutes a "public body" and excludes certain high-level executive offices. The act is referred to as the "Judicial Protection Act." Judges can request the removal of their personal information from public postings, and public bodies or individuals must comply within five business days. Exceptions include information relevant to public concern or voluntarily published by the judge. The bill exempts covered information from disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act and allows judges to seek civil action to enforce compliance, including injunctive relief and recovery of court costs and attorney fees. The act is to be construed liberally to fulfill its protective intent.
Co-sponsored by Sens.
Referred to the Committee on Civil Rights, Judiciary, and Public Safety
