New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill A5380

Introduced
5/8/23  
Refer
5/8/23  

Caption

Authorizes issuance of electronic copies of vital records.

Impact

The bill proposes significant changes to how vital records are managed and distributed in New Jersey. Upon enactment, it will enhance the state's infrastructure for electronic record-keeping and distribution, potentially improving the efficiency of vital record access. Additionally, this move could lead to better data management practices and quicker access times for individuals requesting these documents, ultimately benefiting residents who require timely access to their vital records for various legal and administrative purposes.

Summary

Assembly Bill A5380 aims to enhance the accessibility of vital records in New Jersey by authorizing the issuance of electronic copies of such documents. This legislation modifies existing provisions under R.S.26:8-62 to allow specific individuals and entities, such as the subject of the record, their legal representatives, and certain governmental agencies, to request certified copies of vital records both in paper and electronic formats. The intent behind this bill is to modernize the process of accessing vital records, which can include birth, death, marriage, and partnership information, thus streamlining bureaucratic processes for citizens and officials alike.

Sentiment

Overall sentiment surrounding A5380 reflects a positive outlook among supporters, who view this electronic issuance as a necessary step towards modernization and convenience in public record management. The bill has garnered support from various legislators and stakeholders who believe that embracing technology in governmental operations will improve public service. However, there may be concerns surrounding data privacy and security, particularly regarding the handling of sensitive personal information in electronic formats, which could be a point of contention among critics.

Contention

Despite the general support for A5380, potential points of contention may arise around issues of data security and privacy. Questions about how electronic copies will be authenticated, the protocols established for data transmission, and the prevention of unauthorized access are critical in this discussion. The bill outlines that the Commissioner of Health will set specifications for electronic forms and ensure measures to authenticate the requesters’ identities. Thus, there may be debate regarding the sufficiency of these safeguards to protect sensitive information from potential breaches while ensuring accessibility.

Companion Bills

NJ S3854

Same As Authorizes issuance of electronic copies of vital records.

Previously Filed As

NJ A1689

Authorizes issuance of electronic copies of vital records.

NJ S3854

Authorizes issuance of electronic copies of vital records.

NJ A2002

Requires State registrar to permit county surrogate to provide certified copy of death certificate to authorized person under certain circumstances.

NJ A830

Establishes guidelines for dissemination of vital records.

NJ S1656

Requires State registrar to permit county surrogate to provide certified copy of death certificate to authorized person under certain circumstances.

NJ AB751

Vital records: certified copies: electronic requests.

NJ AB2376

Vital records: certified copies: electronic requests.

NJ A1943

Requires certain providers to perform intimate partner violence screenings and all health care professionals to take certain actions to prevent perpetrators of intimate partner violence from obtaining copies of victim's medical record.

NJ A3656

Limits fees charged for copies of medical and billing records.

NJ A4029

Requires employer or contractor engaged in work for public body to submit payroll records to DOLWD.

Similar Bills

NJ A1689

Authorizes issuance of electronic copies of vital records.

NJ A4351

Requires appropriate official file information on deaths in county with county clerk; provides additional ways for transferring deceased voter's record to Statewide voter registration system's death file.

NJ A1346

Requires screening of certain high-risk pregnancies and reporting of fetal deaths.

NJ A2488

Requires screening of certain high-risk pregnancies and reporting of fetal deaths.

NJ A2002

Requires State registrar to permit county surrogate to provide certified copy of death certificate to authorized person under certain circumstances.

NJ A2958

Requires Commissioner of Human Services to request authorization for SNAP benefits to be used to pay delivery charges for online grocery purchases.

NJ A2027

Establishes One-Year State Work First New Jersey Menstrual Hygiene Benefit Pilot Program and State Work First New Jersey Diaper Benefit Pilot Program; appropriates $2.5 million to DHS.

NJ A2965

Requires any State entity administering State or federal public benefit programs to verify recipient's personal information against death records to prevent payment to deceased individual.