Criminal Justice (Courts · Government Transparency) in New Jersey

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 2643: Bars public entities and public employees from entering into confidential settlements of claims against them; provides that such settlements constitute public records.

New Jersey bill A2643 prohibits government agencies (like cities, counties, or school districts) and public employees (such as police officers or teachers) from agreeing to confidential settlements in legal claims against them, except for cases involving national security. All such settlements must be made public records under the state's open records laws. The bill specifically preserves existing protections that keep the identities of child abuse or sexual assault victims under 18 confidential in court documents. This change aims to increase transparency in how public funds are used to resolve claims.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Courts Policing Violent Crime Tags Government Transparency

All criminal justice bills

A 2643: Bars public entities and public employees from entering into confidential settlements of claims against them; provides that such settlements constitute public records.