Substitute Senate Bill No. 492 aims to enhance the security and privacy of public officials and employees by amending Section 1-217 of the general statutes. The bill expands the list of individuals whose residential addresses are protected from disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to include statewide elected officers, members of the General Assembly, and various appointed officials, while deleting previous provisions that allowed for the disclosure of residential addresses for certain public agency employees. It also mandates that public agencies must redact the residential addresses of individuals who have requested confidentiality when disclosing records, ensuring that business addresses remain subject to disclosure. The bill introduces specific provisions regarding the timing of nondisclosure requests in relation to elections, reflecting a growing concern for the safety of public officials.

Additionally, the bill modifies campaign finance regulations by allowing candidates to use campaign funds for personal security services and childcare, while removing restrictions on compensation for family members providing childcare. It establishes a "legislative safety account" to fund security measures for state legislators and their staff, with appropriations from the General Fund matched by funds from national organizations. The provisions of the bill are set to take effect on July 1, 2026, with the FOIA-related changes effective from October 1, 2026. Overall, the bill seeks to bolster the safety and support for public officials while maintaining transparency in campaign financing.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 1-217
GAE Joint Favorable: 1-217
File No. 582: 1-217