CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT:

INCLUDE USE OF SOCIAL SECURITY

NUMBER AS PRIVACY PROVISION



House Joint Resolution N

Sponsor: Rep. Cameron Brown

Committee: Constitutional Law and Ethics


Complete to 8-16-00



A SUMMARY OF HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION N AS INTRODUCED 2-1-00


The joint resolution would amend Article I of the state constitution to add a new section 25 to add a list of certain inalienable rights to the state constitution, including the right to privacy, which would include the right to prevent the disclosure of an individual's Social Security number unless otherwise required by law.


More specifically, the joint resolution would add the following new language to the state constitution: "All people are by nature free and independent and have certain inalienable rights, including the right to enjoy and defend life and liberty, to acquire, possess, and protect property, and pursue and obtain safety, happiness, and privacy. Included in an individual's right to pursue and obtain privacy is the right to prevent disclosure of his or her social security number and other personally identifiable information to another person, unless the disclosure is otherwise specifically required by law."


The constitutional amendment would be submitted to a vote of the people of the state at the next general election.

















Analyst: S. Ekstrom



This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.