Quijano Urges U.S. Senate to Pass Legislation to Protect Federal Judges

          (TRENTON) ­­– Following reports that a bill to give federal judges the authority to take down social media and Internet posts containing personal information has stalled in the U.S. Senate because a Republican Senator insists on broadening the legislation to include members of Congress, Assemblywoman Annette Quijano (D-Union) issued the following statement:

“I was proud to sponsor ‘Daniel’s Law’ (A-1649) which prohibits individuals, State and local agencies, and businesses from posting or publishing home addresses and phone numbers of judicial officers and federal, State, county or municipal prosecutors, regardless of whether they are currently working or retired, as well as their spouse or child.

          “I was pleased to see U.S. Senator Bob Menendez take up the call to sponsor a bill in Congress to include federal judges, but I’m dismayed that the legislation has hit a road block.

          “I agree with Senator Menendez that giving similar protections to members of Congress can and should be addressed in a separate bill.

          “Judges should not have to worry about becoming a target if they make an unpopular decision. I urge the Senate to immediately pass the existing legislation prior to going home for the holidays.”

After the attack at the New Jersey home of federal Judge Esther Salas this summer, it was discovered that the shooter had found her home address online. Quijano’s legislation, which has been signed by Governor Murphy is known as ‘Daniel’s Law’ in honor of Judge Salas’ son, Daniel Anderl, who lost his life in the attack.