Technology in New Jersey

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

A 2662: Prohibits, under certain circumstances, disclosure of certain personal identifying information, including home address and photographic image, concerning any federal, State, or municipal judicial officer, or that judicial officer's immediate family members.

New Jersey bill A 2662 prohibits the online posting or publishing of personal identifying information - such as home addresses, photos, or names - about judicial officers (including federal, state, and municipal judges) or their immediate family members, when done with intent to cause harassment or harm, or in reckless disregard of such risk. It makes violations criminal offenses (third degree for intentional acts, fourth degree for reckless acts) and allows victims to sue for at least $1,000 per violation plus damages and attorney fees. The law also requires state/local government agencies to obtain written permission before sharing such information about judges or family members online. It directly affects judges, their households, and anyone publishing online content that could endanger them.

Topics ✓ Technology

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Feb 24, 2026

A 4441: Requires DHS to distribute contactless EBT cards to SNAP recipients by January 31, 2027.

This bill requires New Jersey's Department of Human Services (DHS) to provide contactless EBT cards to all eligible SNAP recipients by January 31, 2027. The cards, which allow users to tap or wave them at checkout instead of swiping, must be distributed free of charge. DHS must secure a vendor agreement for card production, terminate contracts if deadlines are missed, and publish a county-by-county progress report within six months of the bill's enactment. The legislation aims to modernize New Jersey's SNAP benefits system by replacing current EBT cards with contactless technology.

Topics ✓ Technology

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

A 4430: Upgrades crime of invasion of privacy under certain circumstances; eliminates presumption of nonimprisonment.

New Jersey bill A4430 upgrades certain invasion of privacy offenses to higher criminal degrees (from third to second degree) and removes the automatic presumption against jail time for convictions. It specifically targets secretly photographing, recording, or disclosing intimate images or activities without consent - such as in fitting rooms or dressing areas - where a reasonable person wouldn’t expect observation. The bill also clarifies that disclosing such recordings (e.g., via internet or sharing) constitutes a separate offense. Retail stores can avoid liability by posting clear notices about surveillance, and law enforcement officers are exempt when performing official duties. This directly affects individuals committing non-consensual recording or disclosure of intimate moments.

Topics ✗ Criminal Justice ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Corrections Law Enforcement

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Feb 19, 2026

S 3605: Expands "Daniel's Law" protections; requires Office of Information Privacy to establish portal for prohibiting disclosure of personal information by private entities and establishes penalties for failure to comply.

This bill expands New Jersey's "Daniel's Law" to protect the home addresses and unpublished phone numbers of certain public officials and their families. It requires the Office of Information Privacy to create a portal where authorized individuals (like family members or legal representatives) can request private entities - such as websites or businesses - to stop sharing this information online. Private entities that fail to comply face criminal penalties: reckless violations are fourth-degree crimes, and intentional violations are third-degree crimes. The law directly affects judicial officers, law enforcement personnel, child protective investigators, legislators, and their immediate family members living in the same household.

Topics ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Data Privacy

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 ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Artificial Intelligence

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 Justice ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Juvenile Justice

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 ✓ Technology

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 ✓ Healthcare ✓ Immigration ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Medicaid Enforcement

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 ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Data Privacy

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 & Taxes ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Appropriations State Budget Broadband Access

All technology bills