New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill A2187

Introduced
1/9/24  

Caption

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

Impact

Currently, there is no legal obligation for law enforcement to remove outdated social media postings, which can result in significant negative consequences for individuals. For instance, someone who is no longer wanted may face unwarranted discrimination in employment opportunities simply due to the presence of their name on a social media list. Similarly, individuals who have been found but are still represented as missing can be subjected to undue scrutiny and concern. A2187 aims to mitigate these potential harms and enhance privacy rights by ensuring that once the status of an individual changes, the relevant social media posts are updated or removed promptly.

Summary

Assembly Bill A2187, introduced in New Jersey, mandates the development of protocols by law enforcement agencies for managing social media posts related to missing and wanted persons. The bill requires the State Police and local police departments utilizing social media platforms to create and implement a specific protocol that entails both posting and timely removal of such information. A critical element of the bill is the stipulation that any posts concerning wanted individuals who have been arrested or whose charges have been dismissed, as well as posts related to missing persons who have been found, must be removed within a six-month deadline after resolution.

Contention

This bill is pivotal in addressing the balance between public awareness and personal privacy in the digital age. Opponents may argue about the implications of continually managing such information and question whether the protocols will be efficiently implemented across various law enforcement agencies. Furthermore, discussions may arise regarding the adequacy of the six-month removal requirement—whether it is too lenient or rigid, depending on case circumstances. The bill's requirement for a standardized protocol can ignite debates on state vs. local jurisdiction, particularly around the capability and capacity of different police departments to effectively manage social media engagements.

Companion Bills

NJ S1437

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

NJ A5394

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

NJ S3859

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

Previously Filed As

NJ A2374

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

NJ A2353

Requires certain supermarkets, grocery stores, and food suppliers to donate food under certain circumstances.

NJ A2499

Establishes certain hiring preferences for Class Two special law enforcement officers seeking position with municipal law enforcement agency.

NJ A2276

Reduces and clarifies requirements for municipal tourist development commission disbursements for advertising.

NJ A1325

Requires AG to establish training program for crowd management and provide resources to municipal police department or force for large gatherings and flash mobs.

NJ A2344

Requires certain solid waste incinerator facilities to install baghouse filters when making certain modifications to facility.

NJ A2384

Requires DOH to develop Statewide Emergency Medical Services Plan.

NJ A2500

Requires MVC to permit individuals with certain medical conditions to display decal on license plate.

NJ ACR74

Urges federal government to develop protocols for State and local law enforcement to respond to drones.

NJ A3071

Requires EDA to include social media development services in services offered through Small Business E-commerce Support Program.

Similar Bills

GA HB527

Domestic relations; creation and revisions of certain child abuse protocol procedures for cases of alleged child abuse; provide

MI HB5053

Health: pharmaceuticals; administration of epinephrine; modify. Amends sec. 20919 of 1978 PA 368 (MCL 333.20919). TIE BAR WITH: HB 5054'25, HB 5049'25, HB 5050'25, HB 5051'25, HB 5052'25

NJ S2884

"Stop Sepsis Act"; Requires hospitals to establish sepsis recognition and treatment protocols, train staff, and establish quality measures.

NJ A242

Requires school district to submit emergency communication policies and protocols to Department of Education for review.

NJ A1950

"Stop Sepsis Act"; requires hospitals to establish sepsis recognition and treatment protocols, train staff, and establish quality measures.*

NJ A3472

Requires employers to adopt domestic violence policies and protocols established by DOLWD.

NJ S2574

Establishes "Uniform Crash Investigation Protocol Task Force" to establish uniform crash investigation protocol for State, county, and municipal law enforcement agencies when investigating certain motor vehicle and vessel crashes.

OR HB2143

Relating to five-needle protocol; and prescribing an effective date.