New Jersey 2026-2027 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill A1934

Introduced
1/13/26  

Caption

Imposes certain duties on persons or entities engaged in business pertaining to criminal records and imposes penalties for disseminating expunged record; increases maximum fine for current disorderly persons offense.

Impact

The bill will directly affect state laws that govern the dissemination of criminal records. By imposing strict requirements on businesses that collect and provide criminal record information, it mandates that these entities must accurately update their records, remove expunged information promptly, and disclose the validity date of the collected data to their clients. This alteration in legal obligations reflects a growing emphasis on the protection of individual privacy regarding past criminal history.

Summary

Assembly Bill A1934 introduces new provisions concerning the management and dissemination of criminal records, specifically focusing on the responsibilities of entities engaged in this business. The bill aims to prevent the unauthorized disclosure of expunged records, raising the maximum fine for disorderly persons offenses related to such disclosures from $200 to $2,000. This significant increase in penalties is designed to deter violations and protect the privacy rights of individuals whose records have been expunged.

Contention

Throughout discussions surrounding A1934, there have been concerns regarding the implications of such stringent regulations on businesses. Critics argue that the increased penalties may create an adversarial environment between record dissemination entities and individuals. Moreover, there are questions about how these changes will be enforced and the potential for unintended consequences, such as businesses over-correcting their records and denying access to legitimate inquiries out of fear of penalties.

Notable_points

Overall, A1934 seeks to modernize and strengthen the legal framework pertaining to expunged records in New Jersey. By adopting such measures, the bill positions the state as a protector of privacy rights in criminal justice matters. This reflects broader societal discussions on rehabilitation and the challenges individuals face when moving beyond past convictions.

Companion Bills

NJ A2430

Carry Over Imposes certain duties on persons or entities engaged in business pertaining to criminal records and imposes penalties for disseminating expunged record; increases maximum fine for current disorderly persons offense.

NJ S4156

Same As Imposes certain duties on persons or entities engaged in business pertaining to criminal records and imposes penalties for disseminating expunged record; increases maximum fine for current disorderly persons offense.

Similar Bills

MI HB4047

Civil procedure: civil actions; cause of action for media that falsely depicts an individual engaging in sexual conduct; provide for. Creates new act.

IL SB1716

CRIM CD-NONCONSENSUAL DISSEM

TX HB242

Relating to the creation of the criminal offense of disseminating personally identifiable voter information.

NY A07855

Establishes the crimes of unlawful dissemination or publication of intimate images in the first, second, and third degree; defines terms and clarifies application of provisions relating to such crimes; extends the statute of limitations for such crimes; repeals provisions relating thereto.

NY S07202

Establishes the crimes of unlawful dissemination or publication of intimate images in the first, second, and third degree; defines terms and clarifies application of provisions relating to such crimes; extends the statute of limitations for such crimes; repeals provisions relating thereto.

MI HB4048

Criminal procedure: sentencing guidelines; guidelines for dissemination of deep fake sexual images; enact. Amends sec. 17b, ch. XVII of 1927 PA 175 (MCL 777.17b). TIE BAR WITH: HB 4047'25

MS SB2075

Images or audio altered or created by digitization; criminalize dissemination of in certain circumstances.

MS SB2202

Images or audio altered or created by digitization; criminalize dissemination of in certain circumstances.