Bill
Bill > A2643
NJ A2643
NJ A2643Bars public entities and public employees from entering into confidential settlements of claims against them; provides that such settlements constitute public records.
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 would bar public entities and public employees from entering into confidential settlements of claims or actions where the public entity is a party, except for matters involving national security. The bill also provides that such settlements constitute public records under the open public records laws. Under current law, set out in P.L.1989, c.336 (C.2A:82-46), the name, address, and identity of a victim of a sex crime or child abuse who was under the age of 18 at the time of the offense shall not appear on the indictment, complaint, or any other public record. The bill specifically provides that it is not intended to affect this requirement. The bill provides that it shall not be deemed to preclude or otherwise limit the provisions of the open public records laws.
AI Summary
This bill generally prohibits government entities and their employees from agreeing to settle claims against them if the settlement terms are kept secret, meaning these settlements will be considered public records accessible to everyone, similar to other government documents under open public records laws (P.L.1963, c.73 and P.L.2001, c.404). The only exception to this confidentiality ban is for settlements involving matters of national security. Importantly, this bill clarifies that it does not alter existing laws that protect the identities of victims under 18 in sex crime or child abuse cases from appearing on public records.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Introduced, Referred to Assembly Judiciary 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/A2643 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/A3000/2643_I1.HTM |
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