New Jersey Senate Bill S612

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

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

Caption

Exempts personal identifying information of minor from disclosure in public record; requires information to be redacted.

Impact

The bill amends existing laws, specifically P.L.1995, c.23 and P.L.2001, c.404, reinforcing protections against the disclosure of sensitive information. This redaction applies to various government records managed by public agencies, thus preventing unauthorized individuals or entities from accessing potentially harmful information about minors. The effective implementation of the bill will strengthen legal frameworks related to privacy, especially concerning children’s information.

Summary

Senate Bill S612, titled 'An Act concerning the disclosure of certain information in public records', primarily focuses on the privacy of minors by exempting their personal identifying information from public disclosure. This legislation requires that any personal data of individuals under the age of 18 years must be redacted from government records prior to granting access to these records. The aim is to enhance privacy protections for minors in state records and public documents.

Contention

While there is notable support for protecting minors' privacy, some stakeholders may raise concerns regarding transparency and governmental accountability. The balance between privacy rights and the public's right to know is often a contentious issue in legislation concerning public records. Critiques may surface regarding the exceptions that allow for disclosures in specific cases, such as governmental, legal, or law enforcement purposes, suggesting that these exceptions could still expose some minors' information under certain circumstances.