New Jersey Assembly Bill A3129

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/24
• Refer: 1/9/24

Caption

Removes requirement that certain government officers disclose the address of their home or secondary residence, or that of their immediate family on financial disclosure statements.

Impact

If enacted, this bill would directly alter the existing framework set by P.L.1991, c.29, which mandates local government officers to file annual financial disclosures that include their home addresses. The new procedure requires a less specific description of their residences, potentially enhancing the personal security of these officers and their families. This change reflects a growing emphasis on balancing transparency with individual privacy rights in the public sector.

Summary

Assembly Bill A3129 is a legislative proposal that aims to amend the existing financial disclosure requirements for local government officers in New Jersey. The bill removes the obligation for these officers to disclose the specific address of their home or secondary residence on financial disclosure statements. Instead, the officers will be required to provide a general description of their residence without revealing the precise address, thus protecting their privacy and personal information.

Contention

The proposed changes may raise concerns regarding transparency and accountability among public officials. Critics might argue that reducing the amount of disclosed personal information could impede public trust and hinder the ability of citizens to scrutinize the financial activities of elected officials. Advocates, however, contend that this change is necessary to protect officials from potential harassment and invasion of privacy, noting that sufficient financial disclosure can still be maintained without requiring specific addresses.