S 3412 would require certain social media platforms in New Jersey to display a black box warning about mental health risks to users, similar to health warnings on tobacco products. The bill targets platforms primarily designed for social connection (like Facebook or TikTok) that have users in New Jersey, excluding services focused on news, entertainment, or e-commerce. This requirement is based on findings that youth social media use exceeding three hours daily doubles risks of depression and anxiety, and platforms are aware of these harms. The warning must be displayed on platforms meeting the bill's definition of "covered social media platforms," affecting all users of those services in the state.
New Jersey Assembly Bill 4015, the "New Jersey Kids Code Act," requires major online services (like social media and games) that minors are likely to use to set default privacy settings to the highest protection level for children. It prohibits these services from showing targeted ads to minors, using manipulative design tricks to change privacy settings, collecting certain personal data without clear consent, or promoting restricted products to children. The bill also mandates annual public reports detailing how these platforms protect minors’ privacy, their data practices, safety tools for parents, and how much time children spend on their services. This law directly affects large online platforms operating in New Jersey, not small websites or services not used by minors.
This bill establishes a Social Media Research Center at a New Jersey four-year public university selected by the Higher Education Secretary. The center will conduct research on social media's effects on youth mental health, develop online safety resources for public schools, and provide recommendations to state agencies. It will also administer grants for social media research using a peer-reviewed process modeled after the NIH, and require annual reports on its work. The bill directly affects New Jersey public universities (as hosts), public schools (through educational resources), and state agencies (by requiring data sharing).
New Jersey Assembly Bill A4085 prohibits businesses from using consumers' personal data to set prices for goods or services. It specifically bans pricing strategies that vary prices based on biometric data, genetic information, or protected class data (like race, gender, or disability) through methods such as personalized algorithmic pricing or surveillance pricing. The law applies to all business entities selling merchandise or services within New Jersey and imposes fines up to $10,000 for first violations and $20,000 for repeat offenses, plus potential penalties like cease-and-desist orders. Businesses may still offer standard discounts, promotions, or loyalty programs, which are explicitly exempted from the ban.
This bill, known as the Advanced Grid Technologies Act, requires electric public utilities in New Jersey to obtain a certificate from the Board of Public Utilities before building supplemental transmission projects. It establishes a new oversight process for these projects, which are currently less regulated than other regional grid upgrades, and mandates that the state consider advanced technologies like high-performance conductors and smart grid software. The legislation also creates an expedited review timeline for projects that utilize these modern tools to improve grid efficiency and reliability. By bringing these specific construction plans under state supervision, the bill aims to ensure that utility investments align with consumer interests and public needs.
This bill provides an additional $358.8 million in funding for New Jersey state agencies and local governments for fiscal year 2026. The money is allocated to various departments, including support for domestic violence housing, prison consolidation savings, school infrastructure, and mosquito control. Specific provisions also authorize a supplemental appropriation for the Cannabis Regulatory Fund and allow nonprofit organizations to host the state's AI supercomputer. Overall, the legislation amends the existing FY2026 Appropriations Act to distribute these funds across education, health, public safety, and other state services.
This bill, known as the Advanced Grid Technologies Act, requires the New Jersey State to oversee supplemental electric transmission projects and speeds up the review process for those using modern grid technologies. It directly affects electric public utilities by mandating that they obtain state approval for additional projects and encouraging them to adopt advanced tools like high-performance conductors and smart distribution systems. The law defines specific technologies, such as advanced conductors and grid-enhancing software, and ensures that state regulators consider these innovations when approving new infrastructure to improve reliability and efficiency. By establishing a formal review process for these projects, the bill aims to align utility financial incentives with consumer savings and better manage the growing demand for electricity.
This bill regulates how data brokers and collectors handle personal information in New Jersey by requiring them to limit data collection to what is necessary and obtain explicit consent before processing sensitive data or selling personal information. It mandates that companies implement strong security measures to protect data and provides consumers with an easy way to revoke their consent, which must be processed within 15 days. Additionally, the law requires organizations to conduct confidential data protection assessments for activities that pose a heightened risk of harm, such as targeted advertising or selling personal data, and prohibits processing personal data of children between the ages of 13 and 17 for advertising or profiling without consent.
This bill prohibits New Jersey businesses from using consumers' personal data - including biometric information, genetic data, or details about protected characteristics like race, age, or gender - to set prices for goods or services. It specifically bans "personalized algorithmic pricing" (using algorithms to adjust prices based on personal data) and "surveillance pricing" (customizing prices based on tracking consumer behavior). The law does not prevent businesses from offering standard discounts, promotions, or loyalty programs. It directly affects all businesses selling merchandise or services to New Jersey residents and enforces penalties of up to $20,000 per violation under the state's Consumer Fraud Act.
S 3413, the "New Jersey Kids Code Act," requires online services likely accessed by minors to implement age-appropriate design standards. It directly affects major platforms with significant child users (like social media and gaming services), mandating default privacy settings that protect minors and prohibiting the use of their data for harmful purposes. Key provisions include designing products with children’s developmental needs in mind, preventing exposure to harmful content, and ensuring data practices don’t negatively impact minors’ well-being. The law adopts New Jersey’s version of an "Age-Appropriate Design Code" to create safer online experiences for children.
