Connecticut House Bill HB05409

Connecticut 2020 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/28/20
• Refer: 2/28/20

Caption

An Act Concerning The Nondisclosure Of Residential Addresses Of Attorney General Employees.

Impact

The enactment of HB 5409 would significantly modify section 1-217(a) of the general statutes. By refraining from disclosing residential addresses of Attorney General employees, this bill addresses growing concerns about the safety of public employees, particularly in an age of increased scrutiny and potential threats to individuals in law enforcement and legal roles. This change reflects changing societal norms regarding confidentiality and is expected to streamline the protection mechanisms in place for public figures working in vulnerable positions.

Summary

House Bill 5409, titled 'An Act Concerning The Nondisclosure Of Residential Addresses Of Attorney General Employees,' aims to amend existing laws under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) regarding the disclosure of the residential addresses of specific public agency employees. The bill focuses on enhancing privacy protections for individuals employed in sensitive positions, particularly those working for the Office of the Attorney General. This legislative move is positioned as a necessary step to ensure the safety and confidentiality of these employees, aligning with similar protections offered to other public servants such as police officers and judges.

Contention

While there is general support for providing privacy protections to public employees, the bill may face opposition based on arguments regarding transparency and public access to information. Critics might argue that enhancing nondisclosure rights could impede the ability of citizens to access important information related to governmental accountability. However, proponents emphasize that ensuring the safety and security of employees justifies the need for such measures, thus initiating a critical debate over the balance between privacy and transparency in government.