Technology

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

AJR 80: Urges Congress and President to enact "Do Not Disturb Act."

New Jersey's AJR 80 is a symbolic resolution urging Congress to pass the "Do Not Disturb Act" to address the growing problem of spam and scam calls. It highlights that Americans received 2.1 billion spam/scam calls monthly in 2023 - wasting over 195 million hours - particularly harming seniors. The resolution notes the Supreme Court's 2021 ruling narrowed the TCPA's definition of robocall technology, allowing many modern scams to bypass current laws. The proposed "Do Not Disturb Act" would expand anti-robocall protections, combat AI-powered scams, and lower costs for consumer call-blocking technology.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill urges passage of 'Do Not Disturb Act' to expand TCPA protections against spam/scam calls, enhancing cybersecurity and data privacy for consumers by addressing loopholes in current law.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Artificial Intelligence

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in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 2601: Provides free telecommunication services for incarcerated persons at State, county, and private adult and juvenile correctional facilities.

This bill requires all New Jersey state, county, and private correctional facilities - including juvenile facilities - to provide free voice calls, video calls, and email services to incarcerated adults and juveniles. It prohibits facilities from charging inmates or their families any fees (including per-minute charges, surcharges, or account fees), ensuring both parties to communications bear no cost. The law also mandates that facilities maintain current service access levels and transfer any remaining prepaid funds to inmates' commissary accounts. The bill appropriates state funds for implementation and takes effect six months after enactment.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeProvides free communication access to incarcerated individuals, supporting rehabilitation and family connections, which reduces recidivism - a key criminal justice reform goal.90% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill mandates free internet-based communication (email, video calls) at correctional facilities, expanding access to technology for incarcerated persons.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Juvenile Justice

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in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 214: Prohibits State contractors from distributing data to foreign adversaries.

New Jersey's Bill A-214 prohibits state contractors and entities seeking state contracts, subsidies, or tax benefits from sharing data with "foreign adversaries" as defined by the state. It requires contractors to certify they aren’t on a state-created list of entities sharing data with such adversaries, and mandates the Department of the Treasury to develop and update this list using public information, after providing notice and an opportunity to respond. Entities listed face ineligibility for state contracts, registrations, or subsidies, and may face civil penalties up to $1 million for false certifications. The law includes due process steps before listing entities and exempts data sharing required by subpoenas or court orders. The bill is currently pending before the Assembly Oversight Committee.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyProhibits data sharing with foreign adversaries to protect state data privacy and cybersecurity, directly aligning with protective measures in the topic description.95% confidence

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in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 1363: Requires DHS to take action to raise public awareness of privacy laws that prevent disclosure of health care enrollment information to immigration authorities.

This New Jersey bill (A-1363) requires the Department of Human Services to create a public awareness campaign explaining existing privacy laws that prevent health care enrollment information (from Medicaid or NJ FamilyCare) from being shared with immigration authorities. It directly affects immigrant populations in New Jersey who may avoid health care due to unfounded fears of deportation. The campaign must use linguistically and culturally sensitive materials in English and Spanish, distributed through health facilities, community centers, libraries, and other local organizations, and coordinate with existing Medicaid outreach efforts. The department must also create a dedicated, Spanish-accessible webpage on its website summarizing these privacy protections and linking to relevant federal resources.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRemoves fear-based barrier to healthcare access for immigrants by clarifying privacy protections, directly improving patient access to Medicaid/NJ FamilyCare.95% confidence ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationBill creates public awareness campaign to protect health care privacy from immigration authorities, directly reducing immigrant fear of deportation when accessing services.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill protects health data privacy by preventing disclosure of enrollment info to immigration authorities, directly aligning with data privacy safeguards in technology policies.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Medicaid Enforcement

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in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 3716: Requires rental car company to provide notice to renter to delete personal information from motor vehicle computer system upon return of vehicle.

This New Jersey bill (A 3716) requires rental car companies to provide renters with clear notice about deleting personal data from a vehicle's computer system when returning the car. The notice - required to be posted at return locations, on company websites, or in rental agreements - must advise renters to unpair personal devices and delete information like navigation history, phone data, or garage codes. Rental companies failing to comply face civil penalties of $500 for a first offense and $1,000 for repeat violations, enforced by the Division of Consumer Affairs. The law directly affects rental car businesses and renters in New Jersey, aiming to protect personal data stored in vehicle systems.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyMandates rental companies to notify renters about deleting personal data from vehicle systems, directly protecting user privacy through data deletion requirements.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Data Privacy

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in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 3124: Establishes NJ Affordable Connectivity Program to provide discounted broadband services to certain households; appropriates $10 million.

This bill establishes New Jersey's Affordable Connectivity Program, which provides up to $30 monthly discounts on broadband bills for low-income households (earning 50% or less of local median income) and very low-income households (earning 30% or less). Households must apply annually to the Department of Human Services, demonstrating income eligibility and state residency. The program is funded by a $10 million appropriation from the General Fund, with broadband providers receiving subsidies to cover the discount costs. It aims to increase affordable internet access for qualifying households across New Jersey.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAppropriates $10M from General Fund to fund broadband subsidies for low-income households, advancing public service access through state budget allocation.90% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyProvides $10M broadband subsidies to low-income households, expanding internet access as a core technology policy.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations State Budget Broadband Access

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passed · New Jersey · General Assembly May 18, 2026

A 2739: Prohibits social media platforms from promoting certain practices or features of eating disorders to child users.

This bill would prohibit social media platforms from promoting content related to eating disorders - such as diet products, extreme weight loss practices, or harmful eating behaviors - to users under 18. Platforms must conduct quarterly internal audits and annual independent audits to ensure their algorithms or features don’t contribute to eating disorders in children, and fix any issues within 30 days if identified. Small platforms with less than $100 million in annual revenue are exempt from the audit requirements. The bill does not hold platforms liable for user-generated content unless the platform paid to promote it (e.g., via advertisements).

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcarePrevents social media promotion of eating disorder content to minors, directly protecting youth mental health and reducing risk factors requiring healthcare services.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill regulates social media algorithms to prevent harmful content promotion for minors, aligning with consumer protection regulations in digital rights.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Social Media

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in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 3339: Revises requirements for disclosure of a breach of security of certain computerized records containing personal information.

This New Jersey bill (A 3339) revises disclosure rules for security breaches involving personal information. It requires businesses and public entities handling New Jersey residents' data to notify affected customers within five business days of discovering a breach - unless law enforcement needs a delay or further investigation is needed. The bill clarifies that businesses may skip notification only after a proper investigation and consultation with law enforcement, and specifies acceptable notification methods (written, electronic, or substitute notice for large-scale breaches). It also mandates notifying national credit bureaus if over 1,000 people are affected. The law directly affects any company or government entity maintaining computerized personal records in New Jersey.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyStrengthens data privacy by mandating faster breach notifications (5 business days) for personal information, protecting consumers from delayed disclosure of security incidents.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Data Privacy

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in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Feb 19, 2026

A 4135: Clarifies that application to collocate wireless communications equipment be reviewed by administrative officer.

This bill clarifies that applications to add wireless equipment (such as cell antennas) to existing structures must be reviewed and approved by a municipal administrative officer, not by a planning board or land use committee. It sets a 30-day deadline for the administrative officer to act on collocation applications, with automatic approval if the deadline passes. The approved zoning permit for collocation then satisfies requirements for all other permits, like building or electrical, eliminating redundant reviews. This applies to all New Jersey municipalities and primarily affects wireless companies seeking to expand their infrastructure.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill streamlines approval for cell antenna collocation, reducing bureaucratic delays to facilitate wireless infrastructure deployment, directly expanding internet access and supporting technology infrastructure growth.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Telecommunications

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passed · New Jersey · General Assembly May 4, 2026

A 3929: Prohibits use of biometric surveillance system by business entity under certain circumstances.

This New Jersey bill (A 3929) prohibits businesses from using facial recognition or biometric surveillance systems on customers at their physical locations, except when providing clear notice (like a visible sign) and using the system for a lawful purpose. Businesses must explain decisions to deny access or remove customers based on biometric data, and cannot sell or profit from collected biometric information. Violations carry fines up to $20,000 per offense, with a 30-day window to correct first violations without penalty. The law directly affects businesses operating physical premises and their customers in New Jersey.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyProhibits business use of biometric surveillance without consent, requiring transparency and banning data sales to protect consumer privacy, aligning with data privacy regulations.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Consumer Data Protection Emerging Technology

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