N.J. Stat. Ann. § 10:5-1 et seq. § 10:5-47
Conditions for disclosure of genetic information
Operative Text
8. a. Regardless of the manner of receipt or the source of genetic information, including information received from an individual, a person may not disclose or be compelled, by subpoena or any other means, to disclose the identity of an individual upon whom a genetic test has been performed or to disclose genetic information about the individual in a manner that permits identification of the individual, unless: (1) Disclosure is necessary for the purposes of a criminal or death investigation or a criminal or juvenile proceeding; (2) Disclosure is necessary to determine paternity in accordance with the provisions of section 11 of P.L.1983, c.17 (C.9:17-48); (3) Disclosure is authorized by order of a court of competent jurisdiction; (4) Disclosure is made pursuant to the provisions of the "DNA Database and Databank Act of 1994," P.L.1994, c.136 (C.53:1-20.17 et seq.); (5) Disclosure is authorized by the tested individual or the tested individual's representative by signing a consent which complies with the requirements of the Department of Health and Senior Services; (6) Disclosure is for the purpose of furnishing genetic information relating to a decedent for medical diagnosis of blood relatives of the decedent; (7) Disclosure is for the purpose of identifying bodies; (8) Disclosure is pursuant to newborn screening requirements established by State or federal law; (9) Disclosure is authorized by federal law for the identification of persons; or (10) Disclosure is by an insurer pursuant to the requirements of P.L.1985, c.179 (C.17:23A-1 et seq.). b. The provisions of this section apply to any subsequent disclosure by any person after another person has disclosed genetic information or the identity of an individual upon whom a genetic test has been performed. L.1996,c.126,s.8.
Under N.J.S.A. 10:5-1 et seq. § 10:5-47, New Jersey law generally prohibits any person from disclosing—or being forced to disclose—the identity of someone who has undergone genetic testing, or any genetic information that could identify that person. This protection applies regardless of how or from whom the information was originally received. A narrow set of exceptions exists, such as court orders, criminal investigations, paternity proceedings, the tested individual's own written consent, and certain other legally specified circumstances. The rule also extends to anyone who later receives already-disclosed genetic information, meaning the protection travels with the data.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers who may come into contact with applicant or tenant genetic information—whether through screening services, medical disclosures, or other channels—should be aware that N.J.S.A. 10:5-1 et seq. § 10:5-47 broadly restricts who may share or be compelled to share such information. A compliant operator generally avoids collecting, storing, or passing along genetic data about individuals in ways that could identify them, except in the narrow circumstances the statute permits. Because the restriction applies to any subsequent disclosure, operators who receive genetic information from a third party are themselves bound by the same rules as the original source.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
N.J.S.A. 10:5-1 et seq. § 10:5-47 gives individuals a strong legal interest in keeping their genetic test results and identity private—landlords and other parties generally cannot disclose or be forced to disclose that information without meeting one of the statute's specific exceptions. If a tenant believes their genetic information has been improperly shared in connection with housing, they may have grounds to raise that disclosure as a violation under New Jersey's Law Against Discrimination framework. Tenant-rights organizations and legal aid offices familiar with New Jersey housing and privacy law can help individuals understand what options may be available to them.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 6, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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