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Bill > S4539
NJ S4539
NJ S4539Requires State agencies to redact handwritten signatures prior to publishing documents on agency's Internet website.
summary
Introduced
09/28/2026
09/28/2026
In Committee
09/28/2026
09/28/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026-2027 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill requires a State agency to redact a person's handwritten signature prior to publishing documents displaying the person's handwritten signature on the State agency's Internet website. The bill also requires a State agency to archive any document published on the State agency's website that displays a person's handwritten signature prior to the effective date of the bill. A State agency may republish the archived document if the State agency redacts the person's handwritten signature. Any document archived pursuant to the provisions of the bill is to be made available to the public through the law commonly known as the open public records act. Under the bill, "State agency" includes each of the principal departments in the executive branch of the State Government, and all boards, divisions, commissions, agencies, departments, councils, authorities, or offices within any such departments.
AI Summary
This bill requires New Jersey state government agencies—defined broadly to include all executive departments, boards, divisions, and commissions—to black out or remove (redact) handwritten signatures from any documents they publish on their websites moving forward, aiming to protect personal privacy and prevent identity theft. Additionally, the legislation mandates that agencies must take down and store away (archive) any existing website documents that currently display handwritten signatures published before the bill takes effect, though these older documents can be put back online if the signatures are first removed. Importantly, archiving these documents does not keep them hidden from the public; citizens can still request to view them through New Jersey's Open Public Records Act (OPRA), which is a state law that guarantees public access to government records and documents.
Committee Categories
Government Affairs
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation Committee (on 09/28/2026)
Bill Topics
Civil Rights, Minority Issues, and Civil Liberties
- ‐ Right to Privacy and Access to Government Information
Government Operations
- ‐ Executive Branch Operations
- ‐ Government Transparency and Open Records
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location | Created |
|---|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/S4539 | 06/30/2026 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/S5000/4539_I1.HTM | 09/29/2026 |
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