Privacy protections for judicial officers.
If enacted, AB171 will significantly alter how personal information of judicial officers is handled under state law. Judicial officers will be required to provide notarized written requests that detail specific records they believe should be kept confidential. The state courts' director will maintain a list of these requests, further adding accountability to the process. Additionally, the bill clarifies the conditions under which this personal information can be disclosed, ensuring that the privacy of judicial officers and their families is prioritized.
Assembly Bill 171 introduces a set of modifications to privacy protections specifically for judicial officers. It aims to amend the existing legislation under 2023 Wisconsin Act 235, which established privacy measures for judicial officers. The bill seeks to enhance these protections by introducing a notarization requirement for written requests submitted by judicial officers who wish to prevent their personal information, including home addresses, from being publicly displayed. Furthermore, the definitions of what constitutes personal information and the associated responsibilities of government agencies in protecting such information have been expanded upon.
Debate around this bill could center on the balance between government transparency and the protection of personal information. Supporters argue that enhancing privacy protections is a necessity for the safety of judicial officers, while opponents may voice concerns regarding the implications for public access to judicial information and potential impacts on government operations. Notably, provisions allowing for exceptions to disclosure under legal obligations could create points of contention regarding accountability and transparency.
AB171 adds several notable changes to the original Act 235, including a specification that home addresses can only be deemed personal information if they are displayed alongside the officer’s name. It also mandates that judicial officers must update their privacy requests within 90 days if their home address changes. Additionally, it stipulates liability protections for government entities against claims unless the violation arises from reckless or intentional conduct, which may mitigate fears regarding the misuse of personal information.