The proposed bill, known as the "Legislative Personal Privacy Protection Act," aims to amend the South Carolina Code of Laws by adding a new article that allows current and former legislators to restrict the public access of their personal contact information on state or local governmental websites. The bill defines "personal contact information" to include home addresses, personal cellular phone numbers, and tax map numbers. Legislators can request this restriction by submitting a designated form and a notarized affidavit confirming their service. The bill outlines the conditions under which the restriction remains valid and specifies that personal contact information may still be disclosed under certain circumstances, such as subpoenas or with the consent of the legislator.
Additionally, the bill provides a framework for eligible legislators to petition the court for compliance with the article and ensures that state or local governmental employees are not liable for any claims arising from the public record of personal contact information. The Legislative Services Agency is tasked with creating the designated form for legislators to use in their requests, which will include necessary personal information and a disclaimer regarding the specific nature of the request. The act will take effect upon approval by the Governor.