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Bill > A4243

NJ A4243

NJ A4243
Bars public entities and public employees from entering into confidential settlements of "whistleblower" claims; provides that such settlements constitute public records.

summary

Introduced
10/07/2016
In Committee
05/01/2017
Crossed Over
03/23/2017
Passed
Dead
01/08/2018

Introduced Session

2016-2017 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 employee asserts the protections of the "Conscientious Employee Protection Act," P.L.1986, c.105 (C.34:19-1 et seq.), except for matters involving national security. The bill also provides that such settlements constitute public records under the open public records laws. The "Conscientious Employee Protection Act" is known informally as the "Whistleblower Statute." 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 would bar public entities and public employees from entering into confidential settlements of claims or actions where the public employee asserts the protections of the "Conscientious Employee Protection Act," also known as the "Whistleblower Statute." The bill provides that such settlements constitute public records under the open public records laws, except for matters involving national security. The bill also requires the Attorney General to make publicly available on its website a list of these settlement agreements, including details such as the date, parties, claims, and amounts paid. Additionally, the bill specifies that it does not affect the requirement to keep confidential the identity of victims of sex crimes or child abuse who were under 18 at the time of the offense.

Committee Categories

Government Affairs, Justice

Sponsors (7)

Last Action

Received in the Senate, Referred to Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation Committee (on 05/01/2017)
(1 Companion Bills)

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