Connecticut House Bill HB06876

Connecticut 2017 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/25/17
• Refer: 1/25/17

Caption

An Act Concerning The Disclosure Of Information Of Rental Housing Program Participants.

Impact

The passage of HB06876 would amend existing laws that govern the handling of sensitive information regarding rental housing program participants. The bill introduces stricter guidelines and limitations on how and when such information can be disclosed. Specifically, it allows for disclosure only under certain conditions, such as sharing with other state agencies for official duties, or with law enforcement when necessary. This change could significantly impact how data is shared across departments and with external entities, reinforcing a privacy-first approach in state housing assistance programs.

Summary

House Bill 06876 aims to enhance the confidentiality of individuals involved in rental housing programs administered by the Department of Housing. Specifically, the bill seeks to prohibit the disclosure of names or any identifying information about persons applying for or receiving assistance from the Department of Housing. The intention is to protect the privacy of participants, ensuring that sensitive data related to their housing assistance is not publicly accessible. This legislative move is part of a broader effort to promote confidentiality and safeguard the rights of individuals within government assistance programs.

Contention

While the bill is generally aimed at protecting individuals' privacy, there may be points of contention regarding the balance between confidentiality and accountability. Some lawmakers and stakeholders may express concerns about potential issues arising in law enforcement cases, where access to this information could be critical for investigations. Additionally, there might be debates surrounding the implications for transparency in government assistance programs, particularly with regards to the public's right to information about who benefits from taxpayer-funded programs. Thus, discussions around the bill could reflect broader concerns about privacy versus public accountability.