Bill > A4175

This bill requires governmental and private entities that operate phone lines, electronic communication systems, or websites for anonymous tips to law enforcement to use encryption technology to protect the identity, communication method, and location of the tipster, except for their general municipality. These entities, along with law enforcement agencies, are prohibited from requesting more detailed identifying information than what is voluntarily provided, and the communications themselves are not considered public records and cannot be used as evidence in most legal proceedings, except in cases of false reporting or other crimes committed by the tipster. The bill also establishes criminal penalties for unauthorized disclosure of these anonymous communications and makes governmental entities liable for damages if their employees violate these confidentiality provisions, while allowing for the disclosure of the total number of tips received.