Sponsored by:
Assemblywoman JOANN DOWNEY
District 11 (Monmouth)
SYNOPSIS
Requires public entities that operate websites or webpages pertaining to domestic violence to utilize certain electronic tools and security measures to protect online visitors who may be victims of domestic violence.
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
As introduced.
An Act concerning the protection of victims of domestic violence who visit State-operated websites and webpages pertaining to domestic violence and supplementing Title 52 of the Revised Statutes.
Be It Enacted by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
1. a. A public entity that operates a publicly accessible website or webpage providing information related to domestic violence shall ensure that the website or webpage is equipped with appropriate electronic tools and security measures to protect the safety, security, and identity of visitors to the website or webpage who may be victims of domestic violence. The electronic tools and security measures utilized pursuant to this section shall include:
(1) a panic switch or quick-exit button that enables a visitor to the website or webpage to quickly escape from the site or page, as the case may be;
(2) a feature or function that prevents the website or webpage from being listed in the visitor's browser history; and
(3) any other electronic tools or security measures, required by the Department of Children and Families, which are designed to protect the safety, security, and identity of visitors to the website or webpage who may be victims of domestic violence.
b. As used in this section:
"Domestic violence" means the same as that term is defined by section 3 of P.L.1991, c.261 (C.2C:25-19) and section 1 of P.L.2003, c.41 (C.17:29B-16).
"Public entity" means the State; any office, department, branch, division, subdivision, bureau, board, commission, agency, instrumentality, or individual acting under color of law in the State; and any county, municipality, district, public authority, public agency, or other political subdivision or public body in the State.
"Victim of domestic violence" means the same as that term is defined by section 3 of P.L.1991, c.261 (C.2C:25-19).
2. The Department of Children and Families shall adopt rules and regulations, pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.), as may be necessary to implement the provisions of this act.
3. This act shall take effect immediately.
STATEMENT
This bill would require each public entity in the State that operates a website or webpage providing information on domestic violence to ensure that the website or webpage is equipped with appropriate electronic tools and security measures to protect the safety, security, and identity of visitors to the website or webpage who may be victims of domestic violence. The electronic tools and security measures utilized under the bill are to include: 1) a panic switch or quick-exit button that enables a visitor to the website or webpage to quickly escape from the site or page; 2) a feature or function that prevents the website or webpage from being listed in the visitor's browser history; and 3) any other electronic tools or security measures, required by the Department of Children and Families, which are designed to protect the safety, security, or identity of visitors to the website or webpage who are victims of domestic violence.