Assembly Bill 1392 restricts journalists' access to the home addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses of elected officials and candidates. Assemblymember LaShae Sharp-Collins introduced this legislation to protect public officials from potential violence, citing recent attacks on lawmakers. The bill has received unanimous support in various committees and passed the state Assembly overwhelmingly. However, open-government advocates express concerns that this restriction may promote public corruption by reducing transparency and accountability in governance. The bill is currently scheduled for consideration by the Senate Appropriations Committee.
Journalists relied on public records to expose that former Rep. Randy Duke Cunningham was paid significantly more for his home than its value, which led to his imprisonment.
Assembly Bill 1392 would restrict journalists' access to personal information of public officials, justified by Assemblymember LaShae Sharp-Collins as necessary for protection against political violence.
The legislation passed unanimously through various committees, reflecting a growing concern for the safety of elected officials, while raising alarms among open-government advocates.
There is apprehension that keeping addresses confidential could hinder transparency and accountability in governance, potentially leading to increased public corruption.
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