Bill > SB632

This bill establishes the Office of State Elected Officials Information Privacy within the Department of Legislative Services to protect the personal information of certain public officials and their families, who are defined as "protected individuals." This office, along with a protected individual, can request that government entities or private individuals stop publishing or remove personal information, such as home addresses, phone numbers, and Social Security numbers, from the internet, social media, or social networks. The bill outlines procedures for making these requests, including written notice and confirmation of identity, and specifies that government entities must act within 72 hours to remove already published information. It also allows for legal action, including seeking injunctions and attorney's fees, for violations, and creates a misdemeanor offense for knowingly publishing protected information that leads to harm. Furthermore, it establishes a State Elected Officials Address Confidentiality Program to provide a substitute address for program participants and shield their actual addresses from public inspection, with specific exceptions for legitimate public interest or business needs.

Education

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0632?ys=2026RS