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Bill

Bill

S 4964

Expands "Daniel's Law" to prohibit disclosure of personal identifying information of victim support advocates and victim support care providers.

2024-2025 Regular Session Introduced by Patrick Diegnan and 1 co-sponsor

Expands New Jersey confidentiality law to shield personal identifying information of victim support advocates and care providers from public disclosure.

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Law and Public Safety Committee
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Bill Summary · S 4964

Legislative bill overview

S 4964 expands New Jersey's existing "Daniel's Law" to extend confidentiality protections to victim support advocates and victim support care providers, preventing disclosure of their personal identifying information. The bill protects these professionals' identities similar to how the original law protects other victim service workers from being identified in legal proceedings or public records.

Why is this important

Victim support advocates and care providers work with vulnerable populations and may face harassment, threats, or retaliation if their identities are exposed. This expansion acknowledges that these workers face similar safety risks as other protected professionals and aims to encourage people to enter these professions without fear of personal exposure.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of "personal identifying information": The bill's effectiveness depends on how broadly or narrowly "personal identifying information" is defined—unclear definitions could create litigation over what must be protected
  • Discovery and legal proceedings: Defense attorneys and defendants may argue the law impedes their ability to challenge witness credibility or investigate claims, raising constitutional discovery concerns
  • Public accountability: Expansion of anonymity protections could complicate public oversight of how victim services are delivered and whether advocates are acting appropriately

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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