Bill > LD2121

This bill establishes the Office of Information Privacy within the Department of the Secretary of State to allow certain public officials, including judges, legislators, and constitutional officers, along with their immediate family members, to request that their home addresses be removed from public records and online resources maintained by state, county, and municipal governments. This protection is intended to enhance the safety of these individuals. The bill outlines who qualifies as an "authorized person" to make these requests, such as designees of federal agencies or legal representatives for incapacitated individuals, and defines "covered person" and "immediate family member." It also details the process for submitting and revoking these redaction requests, including an affirmation that the individual understands certain rights, like signing petitions or receiving official notices, may be affected. While the bill generally mandates redaction, it includes specific exceptions, such as for voter registration files provided to election officials or candidates, and for certain real estate documents shared with specific industry professionals. However, Uniform Commercial Code filings, petitions for office, records of liens or judgments, and abandoned property records are explicitly excluded from redaction. The bill also clarifies that this provision does not prevent information sharing between government entities or returning unredacted documents to their original submitters, and that court orders can override redaction requirements.

Justice

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=2121&snum=132