The bill amends Section 8-15-12 of the General Laws in Chapter 8-15, establishing the "Rhode Island Judicial Security Act," which will take effect on January 1, 2026. It defines key terms such as "data aggregator," "immediate family member," "personal information," and "protected individual," which includes current and retired justices, judges, and magistrates of the Rhode Island judicial system and federal courts residing in the state.
The bill permits an authorized agent to file a written notice with a state, county, or municipal agency on behalf of a protected individual to mark their personal information as confidential. It mandates that agencies comply with such requests if submitted with a notarized affidavit identifying the agent as authorized to act on behalf of the protected individual.
Furthermore, the bill prohibits state, county, or municipal agencies from publicly posting or displaying the personal information of protected individuals or their immediate family members without first obtaining written permission. It also imposes restrictions on data aggregators, preventing them from selling or disclosing the personal information of protected individuals or their immediate family members without consent.
The legislation 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 bill aims to enhance the privacy and security of individuals within the judicial system and their families.
Statutes affected: 2937: 8-15-12