New Jersey Assembly Bill A5071

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 12/9/24
• Refer: 12/9/24

Caption

Permits certain individuals to use post office box or different address on driver's license or identification card consistent with Daniel's Law.

Impact

By allowing covered persons to have an alternative mailing address, A5071 modifies existing law that requires driver's licenses to contain a street address. This change is particularly significant for those who have faced threats or harassment due to their positions, enabling them to maintain safety and security. Current law permits alternative addresses but only under specific conditions, and this bill broadens those protections, ensuring consistent application across various state agencies. This adaptation improves the privacy and safety of those involved, aligning New Jersey's regulations with best practices in victim protection.

Summary

A5071 aims to provide heightened privacy protections for individuals identified as 'covered persons' under Daniel's Law. This legislation permits these individuals to use a post office box or different address on their driver's licenses and identification cards issued by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC). The term 'covered persons' includes active or retired judicial officers, law enforcement officers, child protective investigators, and their immediate family members. The intent of the bill is to ensure these individuals' residential information remains confidential, reducing the risk of potential victimization or harassment.

Contention

While the provisions in A5071 are largely aimed at enhancing safety and privacy, there may be concerns regarding the efficiency of the redaction process and how it is implemented by the MVC. Critics might argue that while the intentions are noble, the practical aspects of ensuring thorough vetting and clear guidelines are necessary to avoid misuse or confusion. Additionally, balancing transparency in public records with the need for privacy remains a point of discussion, as the movement toward increased confidentiality could affect public trust and access to certain information.