Missouri House Bill HB1532

Missouri 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/5/22
• Refer: 5/13/22

Caption

Requires operators of websites to remove booking photographs in certain situations

Impact

If enacted, HB 1532 would impact state laws regarding how online platforms handle booking photographs. By imposing obligations on website operators, the bill addresses a gap in privacy protections for individuals who have experienced legal issues but have had their charges resolved favorably. The requirement to remove photographs in certain conditions aims to mitigate negative impacts on an individual’s personal and professional life stemming from publicly available booking information. This reflects a shift towards more robust privacy rights concerning online information.

Summary

House Bill 1532 aims to amend Chapter 407 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri by adding a new section that regulates the dissemination of booking photographs by websites. The bill mandates that any website operator must remove a booking photograph within thirty days of receiving a written request for removal if the request is accompanied by documentation showing that the arrest charges were resolved without a conviction, reduced to violations, or subsequently expunged. This legislation underscores the growing concern surrounding online reputations and the potential harms caused by the persistent availability of booking images.

Contention

The bill may face contention regarding the balance between public access to information and individual privacy rights. Critics might argue that mandatory removal could hinder transparency in criminal justice, while supporters will likely argue for the necessity of protecting individuals who have been wrongfully charged or whose charges have been expunged. Additionally, the classification of violations of the bill as a class C misdemeanor introduces a legal penalty for non-compliance, which may provoke debate among legislative members about the appropriateness of punitive measures for website operators.