DOJ proposes exemption for BJS statistical data system from certain Privacy Act provisions

What happened

The Office of Justice Programs announced a notice of a new system of records, BJS Statistical Data (JUSTICE/OJP-017), covering data collected under 34 U.S.C. 10132. The agency proposes to exempt this system from specific Privacy Act provisions to align with confidentiality requirements of 34 U.S.C. 10231, 34 U.S.C. 30303, and the statistical‑only use mandate of 34 U.S.C. 10134. The exemption also supports authorized uses under PREA and the Death in Custody Reporting Act.

Why it matters for trust and compliance

• Its status is proposed. It is not law yet. Track it, but do not treat it as an obligation.
• The proposal would limit privacy‑act protections for a federal statistical system, affecting how personal data are accessed and used.

Who is affected

Recommended actions

1. Check that privacy notices describe the practices this addresses.
2. Confirm access, correction, deletion and opt-out requests are handled within the required time.
3. Revisit retention schedules and data minimisation for the data involved.