Connecticut House Bill HB05507

Connecticut 2019 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/17/19
• Refer: 1/17/19

Caption

An Act Concerning Voter Registration Data.

Impact

If enacted, this bill would significantly impact how voter registration data is managed and shared within the state's election framework. By requiring candidates and committees to register with the Secretary of State and specify their purpose for utilizing such data, the bill introduces a layer of accountability and oversight in the handling of voter information. The legislation aims to ensure that voter data is used strictly for electoral purposes, thus reinforcing the integrity of the electoral process and enhancing voter trust in how their information is treated.

Summary

House Bill 5507, titled 'An Act Concerning Voter Registration Data,' aims to enhance the privacy and control over the disclosure of voter registration data in the state. The bill proposes to limit the accessibility of voter registration data exclusively to candidates, candidate committees, and political committees for noncommercial purposes. This limitation intends to prevent misuse of voter data by commercial entities and other unauthorized users, thereby protecting the personal information of voters. It also underscores the importance of confidentiality concerning sensitive personal details, such as Social Security numbers and birth dates, which would be redacted prior to disclosure.

Contention

While the bill is largely focused on enhancing voter privacy, there may be contention surrounding the operational aspects of its implementation. Critics might argue that such restrictions could hinder transparency in political campaigning and the need for public access to voter data for legitimate electoral processes. Additionally, ensuring compliance with these new regulations may pose a challenge to candidates and committees, potentially leading to debates about the balance between privacy concerns and the necessity of accessible voter information for political accountability.