General Assembly Raised Bill No. 492 seeks to enhance the security and privacy of public officials and employees in Connecticut by amending Section 1-217 of the general statutes. The bill expands the list of individuals whose residential addresses are protected from disclosure by public agencies, now including state-wide elected officers, members of the General Assembly, and municipal officials, while removing the previous requirement that these individuals must be employed by the public agency to qualify for address confidentiality. It also establishes a process for individuals to request nondisclosure of their addresses, particularly around election periods, and clarifies that public agencies are not liable for unintentional violations unless they are willful and knowing.

In addition to privacy protections, the bill introduces amendments to campaign finance laws, effective July 1, 2026, allowing candidate committees to use campaign funds for personal security services and child care. It defines "personal security services" and ensures that personal funds contributed by candidates do not count as qualifying contributions. The bill also establishes a "legislative safety account" to fund necessary safety measures for candidates, with funds sourced from national organizations and appropriations from the General Fund. Overall, Raised Bill No. 492 aims to bolster the safety and support of public officials and candidates while clarifying regulations surrounding campaign finance expenditures.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 1-217