· Requiring any individual to provide the public agency with personal information, as defined in the act, 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 public agency with personal information or otherwise compel the release of personal information;

· Releasing, publicizing, or otherwise publicly disclosing personal information in possession of a public agency; or

· Requesting or requiring a current or prospective contractor or grantee with the public agency to provide the public agency with a list of entities exempt from federal income tax under Section 501(c) of the Internal Revenue Code to which it has provided financial or nonfinancial support.

The act contains various exceptions to these prohibitions.

Any person or entity may bring a civil action for appropriate injunctive relief, damages, or both. Damages may be not less than $2,500 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.

This act is substantially similar to SB 464 (2021)and a provision in HCS/SS/SB 333 (2021).

SCOTT SVAGERA