Private information about Longmont’s code enforcement officers would be shielded under proposed legislation that received the support of the city council this week.
Councilors voted unanimously to back HB22-1041, which adds code enforcement officers to the list of protected persons under state law whose personal information can be blocked from internet searches.
Assistant City Manager Sandi Seader told the city council that the work performed by code enforcement officers can put them in sometimes volatile and dangerous situations.
“It can get a little tough on them sometimes,” Seader said. “Our code enforcement staff tackle the difficult job every day of enforcing our city code, and this protection of personal information will provide a safer environment for them outside of the workforce.”
Others whose private information is protected by statute include police officers, human services workers, public health workers, judges, prosecutors, public defenders and public safety workers, according to the Colorado Association of Code Enforcement Officials.
The association is lobbying for the legislation stating that code enforcement officers across the state are responsible for enforcing environment, building, land use, property maintenance and nuisance codes and local ordinances.
“...These dedicated professionals come into contact with the very same individuals that a peace officer, judge, prosecutor or public defender does, but without the same protections covered under…” state statute, the association states in its letter to city governments.
Code enforcement officers have been assaulted while doing their jobs and in 2009 an Aurora code enforcement officer was killed, the letter states.
“Furthermore, Code Enforcement Officers are sometimes threatened or slandered by phone, letter and some have had liens filed against their person and/personal property,” the letter states.
The bill passed the State House of Representatives on Feb. 14.
