Massive Release of Private Data to State Legislature Puts Montanans at Risk, Court Clerks Say

Massive release of private data to state Legislature puts Montanans at risk, court clerks say

A bulk transfer of some Montanans’ private information from the state judiciary to the legislative branch’s audit division has alarmed Montana district court clerks, who say they are worried about individual privacy rights. The clerks, keepers of confidential information ranging from psychological profiles of juveniles to parenting plans and contact information for victims of sexual assault, are objecting to giving the Legislative Audit Division…

Court clerks may sue courts, auditors in order to protect private data

(Photo by Getty Images)The state association of Montana’s clerks of court — tasked with maintaining the records and schedules of state district courts — said it’s weighing options in a fight with the Administrator of the Montana Courts and the Legislative Audit Division centering on data privacy concerns. Clerks are concerned an upcoming audit, part of the Legislature’s look into the state court system and its caseload, will disclose to state au…