If enacted, HB1107 would introduce significant changes to the way public agencies manage personal data associated with property ownership. By allowing covered persons to restrict access to their home addresses, the legislation challenges existing transparency norms in public records while aiming to protect vulnerable individuals. This change could lead to increased confidence among these individuals, enabling them to carry out their duties or live without fear of exposure, while simultaneously placing the responsibility on public agencies to verify requests for address restrictions effectively.
House Bill 1107 aims to amend the Indiana Code concerning address confidentiality for certain individuals. The bill mandates that public agencies operating a public website containing the names and addresses of property owners establish a procedure allowing specific individuals, referred to as 'covered persons', to restrict the disclosure of their home addresses. This measure seeks to enhance the privacy and security of individuals who may be at risk due to their professions or personal circumstances, such as judges, law enforcement officers, and victims of domestic violence.
One notable point of contention regarding HB1107 pertains to the balance between transparency and privacy. Advocates argue that the bill is essential for protecting individuals in sensitive positions, asserting that the public's right to access information should not come at the expense of personal safety. On the other hand, opponents might express concerns about the potential for abuse of the restriction process, suggesting that it could be used to shield those who are not in genuine danger from public scrutiny. As the bill progresses, these discussions are likely to shape its final form and the extent to which privacy measures are implemented.