Bill

Bill > A4109


NJ A4109

NJ A4109
Exempts handwritten signature from public disclosure; requires redaction when posted on Internet.


summary

Introduced
02/19/2026
In Committee
02/19/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

2026-2027 Regular Session

Bill Summary

This bill exempts handwritten signatures from public disclosure and requires redaction when documents containing handwritten signatures are posted on the Internet. The bill mandates that any public agency that posts or makes available on the Internet a document that contains the handwritten signature of any person is to redact the signature prior to making the document available on the Internet. The original document may not be altered pursuant to this bill. Upon written request by a person whose signature appears on a document that was posted on the Internet before enactment of the bill, the public agency is to redact that person's signature within seven business days from receipt of the request. The bill does not apply to signatures on a petition related to elective public office or for any ballot question. It also does not apply to the signature of any person holding a public office, employment, or position when the signature is on a government record required to be made or maintained within the scope of that person's office, employment, or position. The bill requires the Department of Community Affairs to publish notice of the requirements of this bill on its Internet website. The bill also exempts handwritten signatures from disclosure under the open public records law and requires redaction from a public record when issued pursuant thereto.

AI Summary

This bill mandates that any public agency posting documents online must redact any handwritten signatures before making them available, ensuring the original document remains unaltered. It also requires agencies to redact signatures from documents already posted online if a written request is submitted within seven business days. However, this protection does not apply to signatures on petitions for public office or ballot questions, nor to signatures of public officials on government records related to their duties. The Department of Community Affairs will publish notice of these requirements on its website. Furthermore, handwritten signatures are now exempt from disclosure under the open public records law, and any public record issued under that law must have signatures redacted.

Committee Categories

Government Affairs

Sponsors (1)

Last Action

Introduced, Referred to Assembly State and Local Government Committee (on 02/19/2026)

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