Introduced bill looks to strengthen Danial's Law in NJ
By: Manahil Ahmad
NorthJersey.com
USA Today Network - New Jersey
..... New Jersey state Senator Gordon Johnson introduced legislation on November 13 [2025] to strengthen Daniel's Law, saying recent amendments have weakened the statue and jeopardized the safety of judges, law enforcement offices and other public servants the law was designed to protect.
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Johnson, D-Englewood who previously served as sheriff, said the law is no longer functioning as intended. "As a former Bergen County sheriff, I am covered under Daniel's Law, so it's extremely important to me that the law works as originally intended,' he said. "Unfortunately, Daniel's Law is broken, and this legislation will fix it."
..... Daniel's Law enacted in 2020, restricts the disclosure of home addresses and phone numbers belong to judges and other covered individuals.
..... The law was passed in response to a 2020 attack on the home of U.S. District Judge Esther Salas that killed her son, Daniel.
..... Johnson's bill named the "protect Danila's Law Act," would roll back several changes made in 2023 that critics say weakened compliance requirements, cerated loopholes for data brokers and triggered hundreds of lawsuits and constitutional questions. The senator said the legislation would "eliminate the loopholes and reaffirm the law's original intent
..... In September, [2025] the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals raised concerns about the constitutionally of Danial's Law, wring that the statute "restricts" speech and may expose individuals or businesses "attempting in good faith to comply" to liability "without fault." The New Jersey Supreme Court has also agreed to review the statute.
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Johnson's legislation would:
* Cerate an Online portal to simplify registration for covered individuals and compliance for businesses.
* Restore the state Office of Information Privacy, which was eliminated in 2023.
* Close loopholes that allowed companies to exploit the law for financial gain.
* Restore judicial discretion in awarding damages for willful violations.
* Extend protections to legislators and municipal court administrators.
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The Public Safety Information Protection Coalition, which represents judges, prosecutors and law enforcement officials, praised the legislation.
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"Despite its noble purpose, Danial's Law is broken and need to be fixed," said PSIPC spokesperson and former Bergen County Prosecutor John Molinelli. he called Johnson's proposal a "smart and sensible approach" that strengthens protections while making compliance easier for businesses.
.... "As state and federal courts continue to raise constitutional questions that put the future of Danial;s Law in doubt, it is incumbent upon the legislature to act," Molinelli said.
..... Johnson said the reforms are urgent given rising threat and increased polarization. "Right now, we have a law that doesn't work for anyone and could be struck down by the courts," he said. "At a time of increased threats on police, our judiciary, hyper-polarization and political violence, we cannot afford to sit by and do nothing.