Mississippi House Bill HB319

Mississippi 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/4/22
• Refer: 1/4/22
• Failed: 2/1/22

Caption

State agencies; prohibit disclosure of identifying information received from program applicants.

Impact

If enacted, HB 319 would significantly modify the current protocols followed by state agencies when handling applicants' information. The bill mandates that before any identifying information can be shared with external entities, state agencies must redact such information. This is intended to safeguard the privacy of individuals receiving assistance, thereby fostering greater trust in state programs. Violation of this confidentiality requirement is classified as a misdemeanor, carrying penalties that include fines and potential jail time, which underscores the seriousness with which the bill addresses personal privacy.

Summary

House Bill 319 is a legislative proposal aimed at enhancing the privacy and confidentiality of individuals applying for state assistance programs in Mississippi. The bill prohibits state agencies responsible for administering monetary or nonmonetary assistance from publicly disclosing any personal or identifying information about applicants. This includes sensitive information such as names, addresses, educational backgrounds, and employment details. The core purpose of the bill is to ensure that applicants' identities remain protected from public disclosure during the agency's operations.

Contention

The discussions surrounding HB 319 reflect ongoing concerns about privacy rights versus the need for transparency in government operations. Supporters argue that the bill is crucial in protecting vulnerable populations from potential stigma or adverse consequences associated with receiving state assistance, while critics may raise concerns about the implications for accountability and oversight. The balance between maintaining confidentiality for applicants and ensuring oversight by public entities remains a central point of contention in the evaluation of this bill.