BUFFALO GROVE – To strengthen privacy safeguards for public officials and their families, State Senator Adriane Johnson announced the signing of legislation she sponsored to limit the online exposure of personal information and reduce the risk of targeted harassment.

“Public servants should be able to carry out their duties without fear of personal harm,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “This law reinforces that commitment by giving officials the ability to protect themselves and their loved ones while continuing to serve their communities with transparency and accountability.”

House Bill 576 allows designated public officials — including members of the General Assembly, constitutional officers, State’s Attorneys, Public Defenders, county clerks and election commissioners — to request the removal of their personal information, such as home addresses and telephone numbers, from publicly accessible websites.

The new law mirrors existing protections for judicial personnel and establishes a clear process for the removal of sensitive information when a written request is made to a government agency, business or association.

Additionally, the law:

• Prohibits knowingly posting an official’s personal information online when doing so poses a serious threat to safety — a violation punishable as a Class 3 felony if injury or death occurs.
• Authorizes the State Board of Elections to develop standardized procedures for redacting the home addresses of political committee officers upon request.
• Clarifies that political committees may use campaign funds for physical security services, home security enhancements, and cybersecurity protections.
• Amends the Freedom of Information Act to exempt from disclosure information protected under the Public Official Safety and Privacy Act, including the home addresses of political committee officers.

“This law strikes the right balance between open government and personal safety,” Johnson said. “Protecting the privacy of public officials helps ensure that people can step into public service without fear of endangering themselves or their families.”

House Bill 576 was signed into law Friday and takes effect immediately.