Requires State Police to develop public database of criminally charged or convicted undocumented immigrants.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Dawn Fantasia and 3 co-sponsors

The bill requires the New Jersey State Police to create and publicly maintain a database of undocumented individuals charged with or convicted of crimes.

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Oversight, Reform and Federal Relations Committee

Summary of Bill A-5144 (New Jersey, 222nd Legislature)

Purpose and intent

The bill requires the New Jersey State Police to develop and maintain a public database related to individuals who are publicly charged with or convicted of crimes who are undocumented immigrants.

The underlying aim is to provide publicly accessible information about criminal proceedings or convictions involving undocumented individuals, as defined by the bill.

Key provisions and changes

State Police duty: The bill mandates the New Jersey State Police to create, maintain, and update a public database.

Public access: The database would be accessible to the general public. The bill specifies that information about individuals who are undocumented immigrants and have been charged or convicted would be included.

Data scope: The database is described as containing information on undocumented individuals who are either charged with or convicted of crimes. Details on what specific data elements (e.g., name, offense, status, location, disposition, dates) are to be collected and displayed are not provided in the summary.

Transparency versus privacy: By requiring public disclosure of information tied to undocumented immigrants who are charged or convicted, the bill shifts information about these individuals into the public domain within the criminal justice context.

Administration and implementation: The bill designates the State Police as responsible for implementing and maintaining the database, implying the need for resources, systems integration, and ongoing management.

Who is affected

Undocumented immigrants who are charged with or convicted of crimes in New Jersey.

Law enforcement data systems and personnel within the New Jersey State Police who would be responsible for compiling, updating, and maintaining the database.

The general public, who would have access to the database.

Procedural and timeline considerations

The bill outlines an obligation for the State Police to develop and publish the database, though specific timelines, milestones, or phased implementation details are not provided in the summary available.

Details such as data privacy protections, redaction, appeals, corrections, or error handling procedures are not specified in the provided information.

Potential impacts and considerations

Public safety and transparency: Supporters may view the database as increasing transparency about criminal activity involving undocumented immigrants. Critics may raise concerns about potential impacts on safety and civil rights, as well as the accuracy and fairness of public disclosures.

Privacy and civil rights: Publishing information linked to undocumented individuals could raise concerns about privacy, due process, and potential misuse or misinterpretation of data.

Resource implications: Implementing and maintaining a public database would require IT infrastructure, data governance, and ongoing funding for State Police personnel and systems.

Legal and constitutional considerations: The policy intersects with immigration status and public records laws; potential legal challenges or questions about state authority and applicability could arise.

Bill