Connecticut Senate Bill SB00703

Connecticut 2015 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/23/15
• Refer: 1/23/15

Caption

An Act Exempting Voter Personally Identifiable Information From The Freedom Of Information Act.

Impact

The enactment of SB00703 could have significant implications for the privacy rights of voters in the state. It highlights the balance between transparency in elections and the need to protect individual privacy. With specific exemptions introduced, proponents believe the measure will help prevent potential voter intimidation or harassment by keeping voter information confidential. The bill would alter how voter data is handled, specifically pertaining to requests for information from the public and the press under FOIA.

Summary

SB00703 proposes an amendment to the general statutes that exempts certain personally identifiable information related to registered voters from disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). The bill aims to safeguard the identity and privacy of voters by limiting access to records maintained by registrars of voters. By ensuring that such sensitive information is not publicly available, the bill seeks to bolster the confidentiality surrounding voter registration processes.

Contention

One notable point of contention surrounding SB00703 involves the balance between public access to information and the protection of individual privacy. Critics of the bill may argue that such exemptions could impede transparency in electoral processes, making it more difficult for watchdog organizations to monitor election integrity. Conversely, supporters assert that the bill is critical for ensuring that voters feel safe and secure when participating in elections, thereby promoting higher voter turnout and engagement.