An Act Exempting The Name And Address Of A Lottery Winner From Disclosure Under The Freedom Of Information Act.
Impact
The bill's passage would significantly alter the current transparency requirements under the Freedom of Information Act, particularly concerning lottery winners. Currently, the names and addresses of winners are publicly available, which can lead to various forms of harassment, from relentless media attention to unwanted solicitation. By exempting this information from FOIA disclosure, HB 05938 seeks to enhance the personal safety and privacy of these individuals, indicating a shift towards prioritizing personal privacy rights over public access to information.
Summary
House Bill 05938 aims to amend section 12-810 of the general statutes to exempt the name and address of any person who redeems a winning lottery ticket from being disclosed under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). The primary intention behind this bill is to provide increased protection for lottery winners, ensuring that their identities remain confidential and thus safeguarding them from potential harassment or unwanted attention following a lottery win. This legislative move reflects a growing concern over the privacy of individuals who suddenly come into wealth through such means.
Contention
While the bill appears to have a straightforward purpose of protecting individuals, it raises questions regarding the implications for transparency in government operations. Proponents of the bill argue that the protection of personal information is paramount, particularly in light of rising incidents of harassment of public figures and lottery winners. However, critics may voice concerns about the precedent it sets for transparency and the potential for abuse, arguing that it could hinder accountability in how lottery operations are managed by state authorities.
An Act Establishing An Exemption From Disclosure For Certain Higher Education Records Pertaining To Teaching Or Research Under The Freedom Of Information Act.
An Act Allowing Hardship Waivers Of Interest Due From A Delinquent Lottery Sales Agent And Concerning Licensing Of Connecticut Lottery Corporation Employees.