New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill A563

Introduced
1/9/24  

Caption

Provides that crime of official misconduct involving disclosure of domestic violence or sexual assault victim's personal information is second degree crime.

Impact

The proposed legislation is expected to enhance protections for victims by increasing penalties for public servants who improperly disclose sensitive information. As per the current law, official misconduct generally falls under a second degree crime category unless the benefit or deprivation involved is valued less than $200, which would then reduce the classification to a third degree crime. By establishing a clear, higher standard for the disclosure of information regarding domestic violence or sexual assault victims, A563 aims to deter officials from breaching confidentiality out of negligence or malice.

Summary

Assembly Bill A563 seeks to enhance the legal ramifications surrounding the disclosure of personal information related to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. Specifically, the bill amends N.J.S.2C:30-2, stipulating that any act of official misconduct involving such disclosures is to be classified as a second degree crime. This shift underscores the seriousness with which the state views breaches of confidentiality that could further harm vulnerable victims.

Contention

Critics of the bill may raise concerns regarding the implications it holds for public servants and the overall enforcement of the law. While the intent is to protect victims, there may be apprehensions about the extent of legal ramifications and whether they could inadvertently result in excessive punishment for minor infractions. Nonetheless, proponents argue that the necessity of strict measures against breaches of trust in sensitive cases justifies the criminalization of such misconduct as a second degree crime.

Companion Bills

NJ A3723

Carry Over Provides that crime of official misconduct involving disclosure of domestic violence or sexual assault victim's personal information is second degree crime.

NJ S2698

Carry Over Provides that crime of official misconduct involving disclosure of domestic violence or sexual assault victim's personal information is second degree crime.

Previously Filed As

NJ A3348

Provides that crime of official misconduct involving disclosure of domestic violence or sexual assault victim's personal information is second degree crime.

NJ A4191

Establishes third degree crime for certain trespasses involving victim of domestic violence.

NJ S2553

Establishes third degree crime for certain trespasses involving victim of domestic violence.

NJ A3349

Specifies that emergency, transitional, and permanent housing for victim of domestic violence would be funded by "Domestic Violence Victims' Fund."

NJ SB203

Crimes and procedure; crimes of indecent exposure and other sex crimes further provided to include additional victims; crime of inpatient custodial sexual misconduct, established; domestic violence offenses, further provided to include additional victims and criminal penalties

NJ A4218

Provides rental and lease protections for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking.

NJ HB257

Crimes and procedure; crime of authority figure sexual abuse, established; crimes of indecent exposure and other sex crimes further provided to include additional victims; crime of inpatient custodial sexual misconduct, established; domestic violence offenses, further provided to include additional victims and criminal penalties

NJ S1210

Provides rental and lease protections for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking.

NJ A3350

Adds new civil penalties and increases surcharges imposed on domestic violence offenders; establishes "Domestic Violence Victims' Legal Assistance Fund."

NJ A3374

Requires counseling for certain domestic violence offenders.

Similar Bills

MI SB0343

Law enforcement: other; individuals filing complaints against law enforcement; allow to remain private. Creates new act.

TX SB571

Relating to the reporting and investigation of certain misconduct and child abuse and neglect; creating a criminal offense.

DC B26-0029

Institution of Higher Education Sexual Misconduct Reporting and Resource Accessibility Act of 2025

PA HB1279

In sexual violence, dating violence, domestic violence and stalking education, prevention and respo nse at institutions of higher education and private licensed schools, further providing for scope of article, for definitions, for education program and for follow-up and providing for staff training and for enforcement and penalties; in postsecondary institution sexual harassment and sexual violence policy and online reporting system, further providing for definitions, for policy for postsecondary institution sexual harassment and sexual violence and for online reporting system, providing for sexual misconduct climate surveys, establishing the Task Force on Postsecondary Sexual Misconduct and providing for confidential resource advisors, for waivers for student victims, for data reporting requirements and for enforcement and penalties; and making editorial changes.

NJ A4241

Requires police misconduct training course be included in police basic training curriculum.

CA AB1388

Law enforcement: settlement agreements.

TX SB1573

Relating to a limitation on the use of certain unsubstantiated information relating to peace officer misconduct.

NJ S2442

Requires institutions of higher education to review employment history of prospective employees who will have regular contact with students to ascertain allegations of child abuse or sexual misconduct.