Proposal would penalize targeted sharing of county officials’ personal information

A person would commit an offense by sharing an elected county official’s or the official’s family’s personal information with a stated purpose. Personal information includes a home address, Social Security or tax identification number, bank account number, marital status, and the identity of a child under eighteen. The person must intend to harass, intimidate, or influence the official while the official performs official duties. Sharing may happen by any means, including an internet post.

The offense would carry a misdemeanor penalty, or a felony penalty if the violation results in injury or death. The penalties apply to the offense of tampering with an elected county official. The higher penalty applies only if the violation results in death or bodily injury to the official or a member of the official’s family.