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DEL.ICIO.USHouse votes to bar personal information from reporters
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Georgia’s House has approved legislation barring news reporters from gaining access to Social Security numbers, birth dates and other personal information of state, county and city government employees.
Senate Bill 212, sponsored by Sen. Don Balfour (R-Snellville), expands the group of people whose personal information is shielded. from teachers and other public school employees to all non-elected government employees.
Proponents say the legislation would protect private information.
“We have had in the past an exemption … as to teachers and employees of public schools,” said Rep. Wendell Willard (R-Sandy Springs), who carried SB 212 on the House floor. “Surprisingly, we did not have this covering what we call ‘public employees’ of not only the state but local governments.”
Critics argue the bill could prevent news reporters from holding public officials accountable.
Reporters “compare crime databases with public employee databases by using Social Security numbers,” said Rep. Stephanie Stuckey Benfield (D-Atlanta). “And if they come up with a hit, then that can show whether governments are employing convicted criminals. I personally think that is information we should know about. That is good public policy.”
Since the House made changes to the bill it must return to the Senate for consideration.
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