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Bill > A4408
NJ A4408
NJ A4408Authorizes disclosure by DCF of child abuse and neglect information to religious institutions.
summary
Introduced
02/19/2026
02/19/2026
In Committee
02/19/2026
02/19/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026-2027 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill would authorize the Division of Child Protection and Permanency in the Department of Children and Families (DCF) to disclose to religious institutions information on child abuse or neglect allegations involving a prospective or current employee who will provide instruction or other services to children. Current law specifies the circumstances under which DCF is authorized to disclose to certain entities records and reports of child abuse, information obtained by DCF in investigating such reports, and reports of findings that are forwarded to the State child abuse registry. Religious institutions are not included among the entities to which DCF is permitted to disclose this information, as was recently noted in an opinion of the Appellate Division of the Superior Court, decided April 5, 2013, in New Jersey Div. of Youth & Family Servs. v. P.H. and J.C., 2013 N.J. Super. LEXIS 52.
AI Summary
This bill authorizes the Division of Child Protection and Permanency (DCF), a state agency responsible for child welfare, to share information about child abuse or neglect allegations with religious institutions. Specifically, the DCF can disclose this information if it involves a prospective or current employee of a religious institution who will be working with children, such as providing instruction or other services. This change expands the existing law, which currently does not permit such disclosures to religious organizations, as recently clarified by a court ruling.
Committee Categories
Education
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Introduced, Referred to Assembly Children, Families and Food Security Committee (on 02/19/2026)
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/A4408 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/A4500/4408_I1.HTM |
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