The three bills would keep law enforcement effective and accountable, while strengthening trust with communities they protect

(TRENTON) – During today’s General Assembly voting session, Assembly Democrats took decisive action by voting in favor of bills that would establish New Jersey as the one of the strongest states in the country when it comes to protecting immigrant communities. The three advanced bills—which would codify the Immigrant Trust Directive, protect the private personal data of all people in New Jersey, and require law enforcement to identify themselves when detaining or arresting someone—would provide a safeguard in a time of confusion and fear.

“At some point in our lives, most of us will meet someone who identifies as an immigrant. Whether they came to the United States seeking asylum, better opportunities, or an education, none of that changes the fact that they have rights. The American dream is built on freedom, the freedom to live, work, and exist without fear,” said Assemblywoman Ellen Park (D-Bergen). “So when we allow the government to stop someone on the street and demand they prove their identity, to arrest them simply because of the color of their skin or the way they speak, or to apprehend them for recording said actions, we are surrendering that freedom.”

A4071 would codify the Attorney General’s “Strengthening Trust Between Law Enforcement and Immigrant Communities” directive, also known as the Immigrant Trust Directive, which has been in place since 2018 and upheld by state and federal courts. The directive, sponsored by Assembly members Park, Verlina Reynolds-Jackson, Gabriel Rodriguez and Annette Quijano, would prohibit state, county and municipal law enforcement agencies from stopping, questioning, arresting, searching or detaining anyone based solely on actual or suspected citizenship or immigration status. It would also prevent these agencies from inquiring about the immigration status of any individual unless it is relevant to the investigation of an indictable offense committed by said individual.

“Law enforcement understands that even unintentional misconduct can erode the trust they’ve built with their communities, undoing decades of relationship building in one fell swoop. Just as much as communities need them, police need community cooperation to do their jobs effectively,” added Assemblywoman Park. “This legislation would create a clear directive to protect that relationship.”

Bill A4070, sponsored by Assemblywomen Quijano and Park and Majority Leader Louis D. Greenwald, would establish limits on how and when state and local governments and health care facilities collect and retain personal information. Known as the “Privacy Protection Act,” the bill recognizes that unrestricted sharing of sensitive data can discourage people from seeking needed services. The legislation would limit the collection of information such as citizenship status, place of birth, Social Security number, or taxpayer ID to situations where it is necessary to determine eligibility for or to administer a public service, benefit, or program, or professional qualifications and licensure. The bill would also place restrictions on when the Motor Vehicle Commission would be permitted to share personal data on drivers.

“After going to the hospital, the MVC, your local permits office or any other government agency, the last thing anyone should have to worry about is what happens to the personal information they provide to these offices. People deserve to know that their data will be used solely for the purpose it was given and nothing more,” said Assemblywoman Quijano (D-Union). “This bill would address the growing concern around data privacy, including alarming reports that states have been inadvertently granting law enforcement agencies outside of New Jersey real-time access to DMV records.”

The Assembly also advanced a bill establishing the “Law Enforcement Officer Protection Act.” Sponsored by Assembly members Reynolds-Jackson, Quijano, Alixon Collazos-Gill, Rodriguez, and Michael Venezia, A1743 would require law enforcement officers—including federal officers—operating in New Jersey to reveal their facial identities while performing official duties. It would also require them to present sufficient identification prior to arresting or detaining someone. To ensure the safety of law enforcement, mask exemptions would be made in some situations, including if the officer is engaged in certain tactical operations or to protect against exposure to biological or chemical agents, or the cold during a weather emergency.

“Unidentified officers put everyone at risk—including themselves. The FBI knows it, which is why they already encourage agents to identify themselves. This bill, crafted alongside law enforcement agencies, protects both law enforcement and communities,” said Assemblywoman Reynolds-Jackson (D-Hunterdon, Mercer). “Documented cases show criminals posing as masked federal agents to commit robberies, kidnappings, and sexual assaults and when people cannot differentiate a cop from criminal imposter, trust for law enforcement breaks down, which can lead to costly consequences in true emergencies.”

All three bills passed with overwhelming support from Assembly Democrats.