Arizona Senate Bill SB1695

Arizona 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/10/25

Caption

Election officers; privacy protections

Impact

The intended impact of SB1695 is significant in terms of reducing risks to the safety of individuals who perform public service roles in elections. By allowing certain individuals to request that their personal information be kept confidential and limiting public access to such records, the bill seeks to protect election personnel from potential threats stemming from their involvement in the electoral process. This protection is particularly crucial in an era of increased hostility towards public officials.

Summary

SB1695, titled 'Election Officers; Privacy Protections', aims to enhance the safety of election officers and related personnel by establishing further confidentiality for their personal information. The bill amends various sections of the Arizona Revised Statutes that relate to the accessibility of identifying data for individuals defined as eligible persons. Eligible persons include not only election officers but also public officials, judges, and peace officers, among others. The bill specifically prohibits the online disclosure of their personal details unless required for legal processes and with their consent.

Conclusion

Overall, SB1695 represents an important shift towards prioritizing the safety of those involved in elections amidst rising concerns over threats to public officials. As discussions continue regarding the balance between necessary privacy protections and public access to information, the bill may serve as a pivotal regulation in shaping future policies related to personal security and transparency in governmental functions.

Contention

Notably, while the bill is generally supported as a necessary measure for protecting vulnerable public personnel, there are concerns about the implications of restricting public access to information typically deemed public. Opponents may argue that too much secrecy could lead to a lack of transparency in election processes. Moreover, questions may arise regarding the balance between personal safety and public accountability within the electoral system.