Relative to personal information
If enacted, H1428 would amend Chapter 41 of the General Laws, introducing a new section that strictly defines the parameters of what constitutes personal information for police officers and their families. Violations of this law could result in significant penalties, including fines up to $5,000 and potential imprisonment for up to two and a half years. This could reshape how police departments manage and control access to their officers' personal information, possibly enhancing officer safety and public trust.
House Bill 1428, introduced by Representative Edward F. Coppinger, seeks to protect the personal information of police officers in Massachusetts by prohibiting the unauthorized public disclosure of such data. Specifically, the bill aims to restrict the release of personal details like home addresses, phone numbers, and other private identifiers of law enforcement individuals and their family members without their explicit permission. The legislation reflects growing concerns over privacy and safety for officers, especially in the wake of heightened scrutiny on policing.
While the bill may be viewed favorably by law enforcement and advocates for officer safety, it may also face opposition from civil liberties groups who argue that such measures could impede transparency and accountability in policing. Critics might express concerns that excessive protection of officers' personal information could hinder public access to data that helps oversee law enforcement practices. As states navigate the balance between safeguarding public servants and ensuring transparency, H1428 embodies the tension between these competing interests.