The bill amends Daniels Law to extend protections against the disclosure of personal information to members of the New Jersey Legislature, which includes prohibiting the release of their home addresses and unpublished telephone numbers. The definition of "covered person" is updated to include "member of the legislature," alongside existing protections for judicial officers and law enforcement personnel. Additionally, the term "immediate family member" is revised to ensure that family members living in the same household as these officials are also safeguarded. The bill establishes that authorized individuals must provide written notice to prevent the disclosure of such information, with violations classified as either a third-degree or fourth-degree crime depending on the intent.

Moreover, the bill introduces new provisions regarding the confidentiality of government records, specifying the types of personal identifying information that must be protected and clarifying that certain records related to public institutions of higher education are privileged. It outlines the process for submitting requests for government records, including the requirement for requestors to certify the intended use of the records and the provision for custodians to respond electronically. The bill also establishes the Office of Information Privacy to oversee address redaction requests and emphasizes compliance with the new regulations, ensuring that public agencies handle requests appropriately while maintaining the confidentiality of sensitive information.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 2C:20-31.1, 47:1A-1.1, 47:1A-5, 47:1B-1, 47:1B-2, 56:8-166.1, 56:8-166.3