SB 409 - This act creates provisions relating to the disclosure of personal information to the Missouri Ethics Commission. This act establishes the Personal Privacy Protection Act prohibiting the Missouri Ethics Commission from disclosing or requiring the disclosure of personal information, as defined in the act. Specifically, except as otherwise required by the campaign finance laws, the Commission is prohibited from:
· Requiring any individual to provide the Commission with personal information or otherwise compel the release of such personal information;
· Requiring any entity exempt from federal income taxation under Section 501(c) of the Internal Revenue Code to provide the Commission with personal information or otherwise compel the release of personal information; or
· Releasing, publicizing, or otherwise publicly disclosing personal information in possession of the Commission.
Any person or entity may bring a civil action for appropriate injunctive relief, damages, or both. Damages may be not less than $2,500.00 to compensate for injury or loss caused by each violation of this act and, for an intentional violation, a sum of money not to exceed three times the sum of damages assessed. A court may additionally award all or a portion of the costs of litigation, including reasonable attorney fees and witness fees, to the complainant in the action if the court determines that the award is appropriate. Furthermore, a person who knowingly violates this act is guilty of a Class B misdemeanor.
SCOTT SVAGERA