New Jersey Assembly Bill A1158

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/11/22
• Refer: 1/11/22

Caption

Prohibits, under certain circumstances, disclosure of certain personal identifying information, including home address and photographic image, concerning any federal, State or municipal judicial officer, or that judicial officer's immediate family members.

Impact

If enacted, A1158 would create legal consequences for individuals or entities that disclose the personal identifying information of judicial officers and their families without permission. Specifically, it categorizes violations into purposeful and reckless disclosures, with penalties ranging from fines to imprisonment for serious offenses. This change aims to protect the judicial community from potential harm and harassment, especially in an era of increasing threats against public officials.

Summary

Assembly Bill A1158 is designed to enhance the privacy and security of judicial officers in New Jersey by prohibiting the disclosure of certain personal identifying information. This includes home addresses, photographic images, and other identifying data about judicial officers and their immediate family members. The bill specifies that knowingly publishing such information with the intent to provoke harassment or risk to life or property can lead to criminal charges, with penalties varying based on the purposefulness of the offense.

Contention

Debate around A1158 may revolve around the balance between public access to information and the necessity of protecting individuals who serve in the judiciary. While supporters argue that the bill addresses a critical safety issue by safeguarding the privacy of judicial officials, critics may raise concerns over potential overreach and the implications for transparency within the judicial system. Opponents may argue that this legislation could hinder accountability if judges' information is too shielded from public scrutiny.