This New Jersey concurrent resolution urges Congress to amend Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act of 1996 to allow state and local authorities to prosecute individuals who promote child sexual exploitation online. The bill seeks to modify federal law so that internet service providers and platforms cannot use Section 230 immunity as a shield against criminal charges related to child pornography and human trafficking. By requesting this change, the resolution aims to enable law enforcement to enforce existing state and federal criminal statutes without conflict with federal internet liability protections. The measure does not create new laws but instead asks Congress to adjust current federal protections to better align with efforts to combat online child exploitation.
This bill requires New Jersey's Department of Human Services to provide free contactless EBT cards to all SNAP recipients by January 31, 2027. The law mandates that the department contract with a vendor to produce these tap-to-pay cards and publish progress reports by county within six months of enactment. It also directs the state to seek necessary federal waivers and grants to support implementation. The legislation establishes a specific deadline for replacing older EBT cards with newer technology that allows users to wave or tap cards at checkout terminals.
This bill establishes a Manufacturing and Production Business Resource Center in New Jersey to support small and mid-sized manufacturing companies. The New Jersey Economic Development Authority will designate universities or other qualified organizations to run the center, which will offer specialized services to help businesses modernize, improve efficiency, and expand production. Eligible companies can receive assistance with product development, production planning, supply sourcing, workforce training, and market analysis, among other services. The authority will determine eligibility and refer businesses to the center based on established qualifications.
This bill allows public utilities, cable television companies, and telecommunications service providers in New Jersey to use drones to inspect and maintain their critical infrastructure. It requires the Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness to create rules permitting these operations, provided they follow federal aviation laws. The legislation also allows these companies to hire third-party contractors to operate the drones under state and federal regulations, aiming to help quickly identify and repair damaged infrastructure.
This bill directs New Jersey's Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness to create security risk assessment guidance for public and private colleges and universities that receive state funding. The guidance will help institutions evaluate hazards related to campus safety, data security, emergency planning, infrastructure, and mental health access, while also providing a standardized checklist for annual reviews. Institutions must submit completed checklists to the office each year, and these documents will remain confidential but may inform decisions about state grants for safety upgrades. The office will also offer technical assistance to ensure consistent completion of assessments across all affected schools.
This bill authorizes New Jersey to quickly procure a pharmacy benefits manager for its State Health Benefits Program and School Employees' Health Benefits Program through an expedited, non-advertised process. The State will use automated reverse auction technology to compare vendor pricing and an electronic system to review pharmacy claims in real time, with the goal of securing competitive rates and improving oversight. The legislation modifies standard procurement rules to shorten review timelines, allow online advertising instead of formal publication, and exclude certain pricing disclosures during negotiations. A report detailing the auction results, savings achieved, and any procedural deviations must be submitted to the Governor and Legislature within 60 days of contract award.
This bill, titled the Social Media Fairness and Transparency Act, would require social media companies operating in New Jersey to follow specific rules about how they moderate user content and manage platform algorithms. It defines key terms like "censor," "post suppression," and "selective suspension" to clarify what actions the law covers, while also setting minimum thresholds for which companies must comply based on revenue or user numbers. The legislation creates a legal cause of action that allows individuals to sue social media companies if they violate these content moderation requirements. Additionally, the bill explicitly excludes paid content prioritization from its restrictions and provides specific definitions for what constitutes a social media platform under New Jersey law.
This bill modernizes New Jersey's 2-1-1 information and referral system by requiring operators to make active referrals, including "warm handoffs," that directly connect callers with service providers rather than just giving them contact information. It mandates the use of technology for real-time availability checks, appointment scheduling, and outcome tracking, while also requiring participating agencies to maintain updated service availability. The legislation includes provisions for annual reporting on referral success rates and authorizes funding to support system upgrades and staff training.
This bill, known as the Fair Pricing and Transparency Act, would require grocery stores in New Jersey to disclose when they use automated systems to set personalized prices for food items based on consumer data. It directly affects retailers selling groceries and other foodstuffs, as well as consumers who shop at these stores. The law prohibits charging different prices to different customers for the same products based on their browsing history, purchase patterns, or other personal information collected through electronic systems. Additionally, the bill mandates that stores using such dynamic pricing technology must clearly inform customers about the practice at the point of sale.
This bill requires New Jersey high schools to teach cybersecurity to students in grades nine through twelve, with the state education commissioner creating curriculum guidelines that cover basic computer skills, internet safety, and career pathways. It also directs the Office of the Secretary of Higher Education to develop model curricula for four-year universities and county colleges to help them design cybersecurity degree programs that meet accreditation standards. Additionally, the bill establishes loan redemption programs for individuals working in specific cybersecurity occupations, though the exact terms of these financial incentives are not detailed in the text provided. The legislation aims to build a pipeline of skilled cybersecurity professionals by integrating education from high school through higher education.
