HB 1822 | Public Servant Data Privacy Act

Session: 2025-2026

ACLU-PA Position: Opposes

HB 1822 (PN 2332) would amend Title 44 to create a new “Public Servant Data Privacy” law that allows judges, elected officials, and certain other public servants—as well as their family members and close associates—to demand that data brokers permanently stop disclosing their personal information, including home addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, and vehicle identifiers. Once a written notice is submitted, data brokers must remove the information within ten business days, with violations subject to civil lawsuits, damages, and even criminal penalties. The nondisclosure protections last for the official’s lifetime, and for associated persons, for the length of the association plus ten years.

While intended to enhance safety and reduce harassment, HB 1822 raises significant civil liberties and constitutional concerns. It would threaten freedom of speech and press, undermines transparency, and could unintentionally weaken democratic accountability.