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Bill

SB 632

State Government - State Elected Officials - Protection of Personal Information

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Ben Brooks and 6 co-sponsors

SB 632 shields Maryland state elected officials' home addresses and personal contact information from public disclosure while establishing legal remedies for privacy breaches.

Hearing 3/31 at 1:00 p.m.
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Bill Summary · SB 632

Legislative bill overview

SB 632 establishes new privacy protections for personal information of Maryland state elected officials. The bill restricts access to and public disclosure of home addresses, phone numbers, and other sensitive personal data for state lawmakers and constitutional officers. It creates legal remedies for officials whose protected information is wrongfully disclosed.

Why is this important

Elected officials face legitimate security threats, harassment, and stalking that can endanger themselves and their families. However, government transparency and public access to official contact information are foundational to democratic accountability. This bill attempts to balance personal safety with transparency concerns by protecting home contact details while presumably preserving access to official office information.

Potential points of contention

  • Transparency vs. Privacy: Critics may argue that restricting information access undermines citizens' ability to contact and hold accountable their representatives, particularly for those without internet access to official channels
  • Scope of Protection: Questions remain about which officials are covered, what specific information qualifies as "protected," and whether protections extend to family members
  • Enforcement Mechanisms: The bill's legal remedies and enforcement procedures are unclear—unclear who investigates violations and what penalties apply, potentially creating loopholes
  • Inconsistent Standards: Differential privacy protections for elected officials versus ordinary citizens raises equity questions about who deserves security protections

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

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