The proposed "Judicial Protection Act" aims to enhance the safety of judges and their immediate family members by safeguarding their personal identifying information from public disclosure. The bill defines key terms such as "judge," "immediate family member," and "personal identifying information," which includes sensitive data like residential addresses, phone numbers, and employment details. Judges can request that public bodies or individuals refrain from publicly posting or displaying their personal information, and such requests remain in effect until rescinded. The act also outlines the responsibilities of public bodies and individuals in handling these requests, including the requirement to remove any previously posted information within a specified timeframe.
Additionally, the act provides legal remedies for judges and their families if their requests are not honored, allowing them to initiate civil actions for compliance. It specifies that judges are not required to post security when seeking injunctive relief and mandates the recovery of court costs and attorney fees if they succeed in their actions. The bill includes various exceptions where personal identifying information may still be disclosed, such as in news reporting or if voluntarily published by the judge or family member. Overall, the act seeks to create a legal framework that prioritizes the privacy and safety of judges and their families while balancing public interest considerations.