By Bob Katzen

Bill(H 1544) prohibits the publication with intent to expose a person to harassment or risk of harm to life or property of the home addresses, personal e-mail addresses and unpublished telephone numbers of judges, prosecutors law enforcement officers as well as their spouses and children.

The measure imposes up to a five-year prison sentence on violators.

“We are seeing increased threats and acts of violence against elected and appointed officials,” said sponsor Rep. Carol Doherty (D-Taunton). “We now have a heightened awareness of the vulnerability of these individuals who, by the nature of their work, put themselves in the line of fire. We cannot protect our public servants from threats, but we can take measures to keep sensitive information from public view in order to prevent tragedies like the killing of U.S. District Court Judge Esther Salas’ son Daniel. This legislation will play a critical role in allowing members of the judiciary and law enforcement to do their jobs without fear for their lives or those of their loved ones.”