This bill aims to enhance the privacy protections for the personal information of judicial officials in Minnesota, including justices, judges, and judicial staff. It designates certain personal information, such as residential addresses, non-government issued contact information, and the names of their children, as private data on individuals. The bill restricts the dissemination of this information, making it unlawful for any person or entity to publicly post or share such data without specific authorization. It also establishes a process for judicial officials to request the removal of their personal information from the internet, and outlines penalties for those who knowingly publish this information with malicious intent.
Key provisions include the requirement for judicial officials to notify the responsible authority of their status to access individual remedies in case of violations, and the establishment of penalties for unlawful publication of personal information, which can range from misdemeanors to felonies depending on the circumstances. The effective date for these provisions is set for August 1, 2024. Overall, the bill seeks to provide greater security and privacy for those serving in the judiciary, recognizing the potential risks they face due to their public roles.