The Maryland Judiciary Rules Committee will consider a proposal to deny public access to electronic or paper files that have personal identifiers. The proposal, if accepted will amend the Maryland Rules of Procedure pertaining to court records access, specifically Rule 16-1007, Required Denial of Inspection – Specific Information In Case Records.

The proposal, on the Rules Committee Agenda for this Friday, June 23, would allow a criminal case victim or witness to shield their personal information without the necessity of a hearing. Personal information that would be blocked from public inspection is the victim/witness name, address, telephone number, date of birth, e-mail address, and place of employment..