Connecticut House Bill HB06912

Connecticut 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/15/23
• Refer: 3/15/23
• Report Pass: 3/24/23
• Refer: 4/5/23
• Report Pass: 4/12/23
• Refer: 4/18/23

Caption

An Act Concerning Nondisclosure Of Information Regarding And Conduct Toward Certain Election Workers.

Impact

The bill seeks to safeguard the integrity of election processes by ensuring that election workers can perform their duties without fear of harassment or intimidation. By allowing these professionals to keep their residential addresses confidential, the legislation aims to facilitate a more secure and effective electoral environment. The amendment would directly influence how public agencies handle requests for information, specifically regarding the personal details of those involved in the electoral process, thereby influencing existing state transparency laws.

Summary

House Bill 06912 is a legislative proposal aimed at enhancing protections for certain election workers by restricting the public disclosure of their personal information. The bill amends existing laws to ensure that the residential addresses of specific categories of employees, including municipal clerks, election officials, and law enforcement officers, are kept confidential under the Freedom of Information Act. This means that these individuals can request that their residential addresses remain undisclosed to prevent potential harassment and intimidation stemming from their roles in election administration.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding HB 06912 appears to be supportive among legislators who prioritize the safety and well-being of public officials involved in the electoral process. Proponents argue that with increasing incidents of harassment against election workers, it is imperative to enact safeguards to protect these individuals. However, there are sentiments of concern from those who believe that excessive restrictions on information could impede transparency and public accountability within electoral procedures.

Contention

Notable points of contention around HB 06912 revolve around the balance between protecting individuals from intimidation and ensuring public access to government information. Critics of the bill might argue that while it is essential to protect election workers, the nondisclosure provisions could set a precedent for limiting transparency in other areas of public service. Additionally, the implications of categorizing certain workers for protection under these provisions raises questions about the fairness and consistency of how public information is managed.