New Jersey Assembly Bill A2502

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/14/22
• Refer: 2/14/22

Caption

The "Uniform Criminal Records Accuracy Act."

Impact

This legislation will impact state laws governing criminal justice information, requiring stricter protocols for accuracy and accountability in record keeping. Under the act, contributing justice agencies are required to submit reports of certain criminal incidents to the Division of State Police within specified deadlines, thereby increasing the pressure on agencies to maintain accurate records. The law aims to telegraph a clear message about the importance of correct data, which will, in turn, help prevent individuals from being wrongfully affected by inaccuracies in criminal records. This could lead to significant changes in how background checks are conducted for employment, social services, and other non-criminal justice purposes.

Summary

Assembly Bill A2502, known as the Uniform Criminal Records Accuracy Act, aims to improve the accuracy of criminal history record information used for both criminal and non-criminal justice purposes. The bill defines 'accurate criminal history record information' and lays down detailed requirements for state and local agencies involved in the collection, storage, and dissemination of such data. A key provision in the bill mandates that law enforcement and contributing justice agencies maintain a dissemination log for every request and transfer of criminal history information to safeguard against misuse and errors. The bill also establishes significant accountability measures for fixing inaccuracies in criminal records in a timely manner.

Contention

Notable points of contention regarding this bill stem from concerns about data privacy and the potential for misuse of sensitive personal information. Opponents may argue that while increased accuracy of records is essential, such oversight could unintentionally expose individuals’ private data to unintended parties. Moreover, the mechanisms established for correcting inaccuracies include potential legal redress for violations, which some may interpret as an additional burden on state resources. Advocates of the bill emphasize that the risk of mistaken identity and mishandling of records carries greater implications for individuals’ civil rights than any concerns regarding data breaches.