Marshall County is implementing an ordinance that looks to restrict access to address information for several categories of people.
The ordinance is designed to bring the county into compliance with state statute. Under the language, encumbered persons such as judges, police officers, victims of domestic violence, and public officials can request the county remove any identifying information about their place of residence from county websites.
County Attorney Jim Clevenger says the restrictions go both ways.
“I suppose if an officer doesn’t file within a certain period of time, say three years, and then he doesn’t do it, it gets lifted,” says Clevenger. “I suppose he can squawk a bit. But the other side of it is that we have an interest in wanting to keep that information current.”
Marshall County gave the ordinance approval on first reading at their last meeting, but a few tweaks were made that will include a form that must be filled out. Subsequent steps are also outlined to be taken should it not be filled out in the following years.
Some of the commissioners felt the suggested restriction for three years was a bit short, recommending five years, instead. Marshall County is also likely to develop a process whereby individuals are notified if they’re about to be lifted from the address restriction.
Clevenger says the frequency of the form requirements is up to the county.
“We’re encouraging you to do it annually,” says Clevenger. “But if the form isn’t submitted for blank number of years, then the restriction will be automatically lifted.”
The County Commissioners approved the ordinance on second and third reading during their Tuesday meeting with the five year requirement.
It will go into effect in the near future.
