Colorado lawmakers push for ‘anti-doxxing’ legislation to protect public health workers

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- Colorado lawmakers are taking action to pass legislation, protecting public health workers who have become victims of threats or harassment throughout the pandemic.

The bill, sponsored by Colorado Springs Rep. Terri Carver and Thornton Rep. Yadira Caraveo, would offer public health workers expanded protections currently offered to some law enforcement officials.

According to Carver, the 'anti-doxxing' legislation targets individuals posting health workers' personal information without their permission, effectively putting their safety at risk.

"It's very unfortunate that what we have seen this past year, and it continues to this day, is threats against county public health directors and some of their staff," Carver said.

If passed, the legislation would allow workers the ability to have their personal information removed from pubic records. In addition, posting their personal information online with intent to harm would result in a misdemeanor.

"We heard from a wide range of county public health directors, many receiving verbal threats to themselves or their staff."

A separate bill would extend the same 'anti-doxxing' protections to employees at the Department of Corrections.

"I wanted to expand that full protection for those who work in the criminal justice system because they do receive threats as part of doing their official duties."

Both bills passed unanimously with bipartisan support in the House Judiciary Committee on Monday. According to Carver, a final vote could be announced as soon as Monday.