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HB 6070

AN ACT PROHIBITING THE DISCLOSURE OF THE RESIDENTIAL ADDRESS OF FEDERAL PROSECUTORS AND DEPARTMENT OF EMERGENCY SERVICES AND PUBLIC PROTECTION ATTORNEYS UNDER THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Josh Elliott

HB 6070 exempts residential addresses of federal prosecutors and state emergency attorneys from Connecticut's FOIA public records disclosure requirements to protect their personal safety.

REF. TO JOINT COMM. ON Government Oversight
#disclosure #emergencyservicesandpublicprotection #departmentof #federalemployees #freedomofinformation #stateemployees
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Bill Summary · HB 6070

Legislative bill overview

HB 6070 would amend Connecticut's Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to create an exemption preventing the public disclosure of residential addresses for federal prosecutors and attorneys working in the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection. The bill restricts access to this personal information while maintaining other public records available under FOIA.

Why is this important

Federal prosecutors and state attorneys often handle sensitive cases involving organized crime, drug trafficking, and dangerous offenders, making them potential targets for harassment or violence. Protecting their residential addresses could enhance personal safety for these officials and their families, though it raises questions about government transparency and public access to information about public employees.

Potential points of contention

  • Government transparency vs. privacy: FOIA exists to hold government accountable; exemptions reduce public access to information about public officials and may limit oversight capability
  • Scope creep concerns: Creating address exemptions for these officials could establish a precedent for similar exemptions for other public employees, gradually narrowing FOIA's reach
  • Definitional ambiguity: The bill's reference to "federal prosecutors" may be unclear since federal employees typically fall under federal FOIA rules, not state FOIA systems, potentially creating enforcement confusion
  • Alternative protections already exist: Connecticut law may already provide address privacy options for public employees through existing safety provisions or redaction practices

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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