News Summary
Assembly Bill 1392, authored by Assemblymember LaShae Sharp-Collins, has passed the California state Assembly unanimously and seeks to protect the personal information of elected officials and candidates. Advocates argue it addresses rising concerns about political harassment, while critics worry it may reduce government transparency. The legislation is set for review by the Senate Appropriations Committee amid ongoing debates about public trust and safety.
Sacramento, CA – Assembly Bill 1392, authored by Assemblymember LaShae Sharp-Collins, seeks to protect the personal addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses of elected officials and candidates in California. The proposed legislation has garnered significant attention, passing the state Assembly unanimously with a vote of 67-0 and receiving identical support from the Senate judiciary and elections committees.
The Senate Appropriations Committee will review the bill during a hearing scheduled for Monday, August 18. Advocates of the bill, including Sharp-Collins, argue that it is a necessary measure for safeguarding public officials against potential violence, citing growing concerns regarding political harassment and threats. A recent study from the University of San Diego revealed that 83% of public officials report feeling threatened or harassed, with two-thirds having experienced targeting during their tenure in office. This rise in political violence has been underscored by a recent attack against two lawmakers in Minnesota, which resulted in two fatalities.
However, the legislation has sparked controversy, particularly among open-government advocates. Critics argue that AB 1392 could foster secrecy within government operations akin to past corruption cases, including that of former Representative Randy “Duke” Cunningham, who was convicted for corruption relating to real estate transactions. Detractors claim that the bill offers excessive privacy to politicians without proving a clear need for such levels of secrecy.
Currently, under California law, a registered voter’s home address is generally confidential but can be disclosed for specific purposes, which includes journalistic inquiries. If passed, AB 1392 would eliminate the exception that permits journalists access to the home addresses of elected officials and candidates, raising substantial concerns over transparency in government affairs.
The First Amendment Coalition’s advocacy director has warned that the legislation could significantly undermine public trust in government by reducing the transparency that is crucial for accountability. Advocates suggest that instead of imposing restrictions on address disclosures, efforts should concentrate on limiting the release of certain details or specifically targeting data brokers that sell sensitive personal information.
In response to these criticisms, Brittney Barsotti, general counsel for the California News Publishers Association, emphasized that the primary threats to public officials arise from data brokers, rather than from allowing access to public records. To further address concerns related to personal safety and privacy, Sharp-Collins is also working on supplementary legislation, Assembly Bill 302, which would allow elected officials to request the deletion of their personal information from data brokers.
Despite the contention surrounding AB 1392, Sharp-Collins remains confident that there is sufficient bipartisan support for the bill, as evidenced by the unanimous votes it has received thus far. California Secretary of State Shirley Weber has also expressed her support for the bill, calling it “timely and necessary.” Sharp-Collins has indicated a willingness to engage in discussions with the California News Publishers Association regarding potential amendments to the legislation to address concerns about journalistic access to information.
As the Senate Appropriations Committee prepares to discuss AB 1392, the outcome of this legislation remains uncertain. The ongoing debate highlights the delicate balance between ensuring the safety of public officials and maintaining transparency essential for a healthy democratic process.
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Additional Resources
- Los Angeles Times: California Bill to Protect Officials’ Personal Info
- Wikipedia: Political Harassment
- Sacramento Bee: Assembly Bill 1392 Update
- Google Search: California Political Harassment
- Reuters: California Bill to Protect Elected Officials from Harassment
- Encyclopedia Britannica: First Amendment
- The Guardian: California’s Bill to Protect Officials from Harassment
- Google Scholar: Political Violence California
- New York Times: California Officials’ Personal Information Protection
- Google News: California AB 1392
Author: STAFF HERE SAN DIEGO WRITER
SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER The SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanDiego.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Diego, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Comic-Con International, San Diego County Fair, and San Diego Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Diego County, plus leading businesses in biotechnology, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Qualcomm, Illumina, and Scripps Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
