This bill aims to protect the personal information of members of the Armed Forces of the United States and the New Jersey National Guard by prohibiting the posting, publishing, or disclosing of their home addresses and unpublished home telephone numbers on the Internet. It establishes that individuals who knowingly expose such information with the intent to harass or in reckless disregard of the potential harm will face criminal charges, with violations categorized as either a third-degree or fourth-degree crime depending on the intent. Additionally, state and local agencies are required to obtain written consent from the service member before disclosing their personal information online.
Furthermore, the bill allows for civil action against individuals, businesses, or associations that disclose this sensitive information under circumstances that could reasonably lead to harassment or risk of harm. Victims of such violations can seek damages in the Superior Court, with the potential for actual damages, a minimum of $1,000 in liquidated damages per violation, punitive damages for willful disregard, and coverage for legal fees. The bill also provides a comprehensive definition of "disclose" to encompass various forms of information sharing.