Bill
Bill > S553
summary
Introduced
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026-2027 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill permits a records custodian to redact any information which discloses the mailing address, home address, whether a primary or secondary residence, phone number, email address, or any medical, financial, or personal information of a citizen. This bill would prevent potential malicious use of such personal information and would protect the privacy of an individual when an open public records act request is fulfilled. This bill codifies the decision of Burnett v. County of Bergen, by protecting information for which there is a reasonable expectation of privacy. Email addresses and phone numbers are a necessity for daily life and the collection of such information by a government agency has legitimate uses including for emergency alert systems. The ability to gain access to many email addresses and other personal information opens up the residents of New Jersey to unwanted solicitations or harassing communications and creates opportunities for attempted cybercrime.
AI Summary
This bill allows government records custodians to remove certain personal information from public records before releasing them, aiming to protect citizens' privacy and prevent misuse of their data. Specifically, custodians may redact mailing addresses, home addresses (including primary or secondary residences), phone numbers, email addresses, and any medical, financial, or personal information if its disclosure would violate a person's reasonable expectation of privacy or could lead to harassment, unwanted solicitations, identity theft, or other criminal activities. This change is intended to prevent potential malicious use of such information and aligns with a court decision that protects information where individuals have a reasonable expectation of privacy.
Committee Categories
Government Affairs
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation Committee (on 01/13/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/S553 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/S1000/553_I1.HTM |
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