The bill amends the Code of West Virginia by adding a new section, 5A-8-24a, which aims to protect the personal residential information of certain public officials, including judicial officers, law enforcement officers, and elected officials, as well as their immediate family members. It defines key terms such as "covered individual," "controlling agency," and "personal residential information." The bill mandates that if a covered individual submits a written request to the controlling agency to remove or redact their personal residential information from a specific record, the agency must comply and make reasonable efforts to remove the information from all other records as well.

Additionally, the bill establishes a civil remedy for covered individuals if the controlling agency fails to act on their request, allowing them to seek injunctive or declaratory relief in court. The bill outlines permitted disclosures of personal residential information for various purposes, including internal government use, law enforcement, and compliance with federal law. It also requires that the covered individual affirm in writing their understanding that redaction may result in the forfeiture of certain legal or official notices.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 61-2-31
Committee Substitute: 5A-8-24a
Engrossed Committee Substitute: 5A-8-24a
Enrolled Committee Substitute: 5A-8-24a