Public records: utility customers: disclosure of personal information.
The enactment of AB 654 is poised to alter the landscape of public records access in California by permitting broader disclosure capabilities while maintaining provisions for confidentiality. Supporters argue that this can foster collaborative research and improve public utility services through enhanced data sharing. However, it raises concerns regarding privacy, as expanded access may lead to unintended consequences where sensitive customer information could be misused or inadequately protected.
Assembly Bill No. 654, introduced by Assembly Member Blanca Rubio, seeks to amend Section 6254.16 of the Government Code relating to public records, specifically concerning the disclosure of personal information of utility customers. The bill allows local agencies to disclose names, utility usage data, and addresses of utility customers to officers or employees of other governmental agencies for scientific, educational, or research purposes, provided the requesting agency agrees to confidentiality. This adjustment signifies a shift from previous restrictions on the disclosure of such information under California's Public Records Act.
Opponents of the bill contend that it could undermine individual privacy rights by making potentially sensitive information more accessible to external entities. The balance between public interest in data availability and the protection of customer confidentiality remains a point of considerable debate. By articulating the necessity of maintaining confidentiality for disclosed information, the bill attempts to mitigate these concerns, yet skepticism regarding enforcement remains prevalent.