This bill aims to amend the Code of West Virginia by introducing a new section, 61-2-31, which focuses on the protection of personal residential information for specific public officials, including judges, magistrates, prosecutors, and law enforcement officers. The legislation recognizes the heightened risks these individuals face due to their official duties and seeks to ensure their safety by restricting the disclosure of their personal information, such as home addresses and personal phone numbers, on publicly accessible platforms.

The bill outlines permitted disclosures of this information under certain circumstances, such as compliance with federal law, law enforcement needs, or voluntary disclosure by the individual. It also establishes obligations for public bodies to redact personal information upon request and provides a civil remedy for individuals whose information is improperly disclosed, allowing them to seek injunctive relief, actual damages, and attorney's fees. Additionally, the bill clarifies that it does not impede lawful newsgathering or restrict private speech, nor does it limit access to records under the West Virginia Freedom of Information Act, except as specified.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 61-2-31