New Jersey Senate Bill S3859

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/15/23
• Refer: 5/15/23

Caption

Requires law enforcement develop protocol for social media in certain circumstances.

Impact

The bill aims to protect individuals from the harmful effects of lingering social media posts that could hinder their opportunities for employment or lead to social stigma. Presently, no statutory guidelines exist that require law enforcement to revoke published posts; thus, this legislation will institute a formal procedure that requires posts to be removed within six months of a person's status being resolved. By doing so, the bill seeks to uphold the privacy rights of individuals and foster a more just treatment of those previously under investigation.

Summary

Senate Bill S3859 mandates that the New Jersey State Police and local police departments create a standardized protocol for removing social media postings regarding missing and wanted persons. This protocol is crucial, especially when the legal status of these individuals changes, such as when a wanted person is arrested or a missing person is found. The bill emphasizes the importance of timely updates to online information to prevent unnecessary harm and stigma caused by outdated posts on social media platforms.

Contention

Discussions around S3859 may reveal varying opinions regarding the balance between public safety and personal privacy. Some may argue for the necessity of authored police transparency in wanted person cases, while others perceive the bill as a positive step towards protecting individuals' reputations from disproportionately punitive public scrutiny. A robust debate may arise around the practical implications of implementing such protocols and the resources required by police departments to adhere to these new measures.