New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

New Jersey Senate Bill S1229

Introduced
1/9/24  

Caption

Bars nondisclosure agreements to settle sexual assault and harassment claims against certain State officers and employees and members of Legislature; bars use of campaign funds to settle claims.

Impact

By outlawing nondisclosure agreements in the context of sexual misconduct claims, S1229 seeks to empower victims and promote a culture of accountability within state institutions. The bill reinforces the principle that victims of such conduct should not be pressured into silence through financial settlements that remain undisclosed. This change is expected to lead to increased reporting of incidents and potentially encourage more victims to come forward, knowing that their experiences will no longer be hidden behind legal agreements.

Summary

Senate Bill S1229 aims to enhance transparency and accountability in the State of New Jersey regarding claims of sexual assault and sexual harassment involving state officers, employees, members of the Legislature, and candidates. The bill specifically prohibits the use of nondisclosure agreements to settle such allegations, ensuring that any claims brought against public figures are not shrouded in secrecy. This legislative measure reflects a growing national sentiment toward breaking the silence on sexual misconduct issues, especially in positions of power.

Contention

While the bill enjoys broad support from advocates of sexual assault and harassment victims, opponents may raise concerns regarding its implications for privacy and the rights of defendants. There may be debates on whether the prohibition of nondisclosure agreements could dissuade potential settlements, as parties might be less inclined to resolve disputes amicably if confidentiality is not an option. Furthermore, the bill's implications for campaign funds—specifically prohibiting their use to settle such claims—may stir debates about campaign finance and the limits placed on political candidates.

Companion Bills

NJ S1380

Carry Over Bars nondisclosure agreements to settle sexual assault and harassment claims against certain State officers and employees and members of Legislature; bars use of campaign funds to settle claims.

Previously Filed As

NJ S1380

Bars nondisclosure agreements to settle sexual assault and harassment claims against certain State officers and employees and members of Legislature; bars use of campaign funds to settle claims.

NJ AB1094

Sexual harassment claims against Members of the Legislature: settlement payments.

NJ SB2515

Relating to prohibiting certain employment agreements relating to sexual harassment and to settlement agreements regarding a claim of sexual harassment.

NJ A1134

Bars public entities and public employees from entering into confidential settlements of claims against them; provides that such settlements constitute public records.

NJ A1320

Bars public entities and public employees from entering into confidential settlements of claims against them; provides that such settlements constitute public records.

NJ HB197

Prohibits certain nondisclosure agreements in settlements involving the payment of public funds

NJ H2007

Concerning nondisclosure agreements relative to sexual harassment and discrimination

NJ H1778

Concerning nondisclosure agreements relative to sexual harassment and discrimination

NJ S1124

Bars public entities and public employees from entering into confidential settlements of "whistleblower" claims; provides that such settlements constitute public records.

NJ SB5566

A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to exclude from gross income any judgments, awards, and settlements with respect to sexual assault or sexual harassment claims, and for other purposes.

Similar Bills

NJ S1380

Bars nondisclosure agreements to settle sexual assault and harassment claims against certain State officers and employees and members of Legislature; bars use of campaign funds to settle claims.

CT HB06865

An Act Concerning Campaign Finance Reforms Regarding Certain Expenditures.

LA HB596

Provides for revisions to the Campaign Finance Disclosure Act (OR +$97,000 GF EX See Note)

CT SB00226

An Act Concerning The Citizens' Election Program And The Payment Of Certain Grants Before State Conventions.

MN HF2793

Small donor political committees and funds regulated, small donor state match program established, candidate expenditures exempted from aggregate expenditure limits, campaign public subsidy program repealed, and money transferred.

MN SF2845

Campaign finance provisions modifications

MN HF5106

Small donor political committees and funds regulated, small donor match program established, campaign public subsidy program repealed, and money transferred.

MN HF3285

Public subsidy program repealed, conforming changes made, and money transferred.