The bill amends Section 8-15-12 of the General Laws in Chapter 8-15, titled "Court Administration," to establish the Rhode Island Judicial Security Act, effective January 1, 2026. It permits an authorized agent to file a written notice with a state, county, or municipal agency on behalf of a protected individual, which includes current and retired justices, judges, and magistrates of the Rhode Island judicial system and federal courts residing in the state, as well as their immediate family members.
The bill allows protected individuals to submit written requests to mark their personal information as confidential, and mandates that state, county, or municipal agencies comply with such requests if they are accompanied by a notarized affidavit identifying the authorized agent. Agencies are required to remove the personal information of protected individuals from public access within ten business days of receiving the request.
Furthermore, the bill prohibits any person, data aggregator, business, or association from transferring the personal information of protected individuals or their immediate family members without consent. It also outlines the process for individuals to seek legal recourse if their personal information is improperly disclosed, allowing them to pursue injunctive or declaratory relief in court. Overall, the legislation aims to enhance the privacy and security of sensitive personal information for those in the judicial system and their families.
Statutes affected: 7640: 8-15-12