Connecticut House Bill HB05176

Connecticut 2018 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/21/18
• Refer: 2/21/18

Caption

An Act Protecting Municipal Police Officers And Their Families.

Impact

If enacted, HB 05176 would amend the existing regulations around the disclosure of voter registration information, thereby ensuring that family members of municipal police officers can maintain a greater degree of privacy. This change is perceived as a necessary step to address increasing concerns regarding the safety of law enforcement professionals and their families, as well as to uphold the integrity and confidentiality of voter data. The bill's supporters argue that such measures are essential in protecting those who serve the community, especially in volatile situations.

Summary

House Bill 05176 aims to enhance the privacy and safety of municipal police officers and their families by prohibiting the disclosure of voter registration information for individuals residing in the same household as a police officer. This bill specifically targets situations where a municipal police officer, who is a bona fide resident of their town, shares a last name with an elector in the same dwelling unit. By restricting access to voter registration data, the legislation seeks to mitigate potential risks faced by officers and their families, particularly in cases of domestic threats or harassment.

Contention

However, the bill may raise questions about transparency and the public's right to access voter registration information. Some critics could argue that the bill could set a precedent for limiting access to public records, impacting the principles of transparency in electoral processes. While the intention is to protect officers and their families, the potential implications on public access to voter data will likely be a point of contention among lawmakers and advocacy groups concerned with civil liberties.