Clarifies best interests of the child should be primary consideration in actions undertaken by State governmental entities and courts of law.
Impact
If enacted, this bill would revise various statutory sections that currently regard the child's safety as paramount but do not explicitly prioritize their best interests in decision-making processes. Specifically, it will amend parts of the New Jersey Code of Juvenile Justice and other child welfare-related statutes to include this critical emphasis, thus aligning the statutes with a more child-centered approach to welfare and protection. This could have significant implications for court actions related to custody, abuse and neglect cases, and foster care placements.
Summary
Senate Bill S1087, introduced in January 2022, seeks to amend existing laws concerning children's welfare in New Jersey by establishing that the best interests of the child should be the primary consideration in actions taken by State governmental entities and courts of law. This legislation aims to transform how decisions affecting children are made, ensuring that their best interests are given precedence over other factors in relevant legal proceedings.
Contention
Supporters of S1087 argue that making the best interests of the child the principal consideration reaffirms New Jersey's commitment to child welfare, featuring an ideal that could lead to better outcomes in custody and welfare decisions. However, some opposition exists, with critics suggesting that focusing solely on 'best interests' could inadvertently conflict with established safety protocols. They highlight that safety is often inherently tied to the child's best interests but fear that this bill may shift focus away from crucial safety considerations during judicial proceedings.
Providing for duties of covered entities to protect the best interests of children that use online services, products or features and for data protection impact assessments; prohibiting certain actions by covered entities; and imposing penalties.
Clarifies that punitive damages may not be awarded against public entities or public employees acting within the scope of their employment in any action.
Property: recording; marketable record title act; revise. Amends title & secs. 1, 1a, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 & 8 of 1945 PA 200 (MCL 565.101 et seq.) & adds sec. 5a.