Technology

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

A 3865: Includes e-mail addresses in list of confidential items to be redacted from public records under OPRA.

This bill amends New Jersey's Open Public Records Act (OPRA) to require public agencies to redact email addresses from records released to the public. It directly affects anyone requesting government records, as email addresses will now be treated as confidential information - similar to social security numbers or driver's license details. The key provision adds "e-mail address" explicitly to the list of data that must be removed from public records under OPRA. This change applies to all public records maintained by state and local government entities. The bill does not alter other confidentiality rules or create new exemptions beyond email addresses.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyRequires redaction of email addresses from public records under OPRA, treating them as confidential like SSNs, directly strengthening data privacy protections.90% confidence

Tags Government Transparency

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

A 534: Prohibits approval of voting machine or voting system if vendor is foreign company, if domestic vendor exports technology overseas, or due to major non-citizen ownership.

This bill prohibits New Jersey's Secretary of State from approving voting machines or systems if the vendor is a foreign company, a domestic company that exports voting technology overseas, has major non-citizen shareholders, or has board members serving on competing companies' boards. It requires all approved vendors to be U.S.-based and mandates thorough vendor vetting for all new contracts, plus annual compliance reviews before primary elections. Existing contracts approved before the bill's effective date remain valid until expiration, after which the new rules apply prospectively. The bill directly affects voting machine vendors seeking state approval, focusing on ownership structure and technology control to ensure domestic vendor accountability.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill enhances cybersecurity for voting systems by requiring U.S.-based vendors and strict vetting to prevent foreign influence, directly protecting election technology security.90% confidence

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

A 1011: Requires certain age-restricted communities to provide remote meeting access.

This bill requires age-restricted communities (like senior housing developments complying with federal fair housing rules) to offer accessible remote options for board meetings. Associations must provide at least one reasonable method - such as group virtual access in a dedicated space - not limited to personal devices. It excludes non-voting sessions but mandates inclusive participation for binding decisions. The Commissioner of Community Affairs will create implementing rules within four months of the bill's enactment.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyMandates remote meeting access via technology, expanding internet access for community participation in binding decisions.85% confidence

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

A 1358: Concerns social media privacy and data management for children and establishes New Jersey Children's Data Protection Commission.

This New Jersey bill (A 1358) requires social media platforms to conduct Data Protection Impact Assessments before launching features likely to be accessed by children under 18. It mandates platforms to set high-default privacy settings, document risks to children, and provide clear, age-appropriate privacy information. The law also establishes a New Jersey Children’s Data Protection Commission to oversee compliance. Social media companies operating in New Jersey must implement these measures for any child-accessible features, including tools for children or parents to report concerns.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyMandates child data protection measures including assessments, high-default privacy settings, and oversight commission to advance data privacy protections for minors on social media platforms.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Consumer Data Protection Online Safety Social Media

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

A 2051: Requires State-level bodies to include option for remote participation in public meetings.

This bill requires state-level public bodies (like agencies, boards, and commissions serving statewide interests) to offer remote participation options for all public meetings. It mandates that these bodies provide electronic means (such as video conferencing) for the public to join meetings online, making it easier for residents to participate without traveling. The requirement does not apply to local government bodies or entities focused solely on local/regional issues. The bill would take effect 30 days after enactment.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyMandates electronic participation (e.g., video conferencing) for state meetings, expanding digital access to public government services without restricting technology use.90% confidence

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

A 868: Provides gross income tax credit for certain homeschooling expenses incurred by parent or guardian with increased credit for taxpayers homeschooling child or dependent with special needs.

This New Jersey bill would create a tax credit for parents or guardians homeschooling children or dependents, allowing them to deduct up to $2,500 per child in qualified education expenses from their state income tax, with a maximum annual credit of $7,500. Taxpayers homeschooling a child with special needs would receive an additional $1,000 per child, raising the maximum annual credit to $10,500. Qualified expenses include textbooks, educational software, school supplies, internet fees, and materials like computers or desks used for homeschooling. The credit applies to taxpayers with gross income under $260,000 and requires filing an application if no tax is owed.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCreates tax credit reducing state tax liability for homeschooling families, aligning with tax relief indicators for middle-income households.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationCreates tax credit for homeschooling expenses, expanding educational access and providing financial support for qualified education costs including special needs accommodations.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill explicitly includes internet fees as a qualified homeschooling expense, enabling tax-deductible internet access for education, supporting technology access.80% confidence

Sub-Topics Income Tax Tax Credits School Choice

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

A 2303: Clarifies consent to being photographed, filmed, or recorded in a sexual manner does not include or imply consent to disclosure of image.

This New Jersey bill (A2303) clarifies that consent to being photographed, filmed, or recorded in an intimate or sexual context does not automatically allow the disclosure of those images. It requires separate, explicit consent for image disclosure - meaning a person’s permission to take a photo isn’t considered consent to share it. The law directly affects individuals in private settings (like dressing rooms) and anyone who might share such images without clear, separate permission. The key change prevents implied consent for disclosure, making it a distinct offense to share images without fresh, specific authorization.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill explicitly strengthens data privacy by requiring separate consent for sharing intimate digital images, directly protecting digital rights and personal data.90% confidence

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

A 3768: Creates offense for electronically sending unsolicited nude image.

This bill (A 3768) creates a new offense for sending unsolicited nude images or sexual content via electronic means without the recipient's consent. It establishes a disorderly persons offense (up to 6 months jail or $1,000 fine) for sending such material without consent, and elevates this to a fourth-degree crime (up to 18 months jail or $10,000 fine) if the sender knows the recipient is a child under 13 or someone with a mental disability unable to understand the sexual nature of the content. The law directly affects individuals who send unsolicited explicit images electronically, expanding existing lewdness statutes to cover digital transmission. Key provisions require that the recipient did not request or consent to the material, with stricter penalties for vulnerable recipients.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeCreates new criminal offense for non-consensual image sharing, expanding criminalization per indicators.90% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyCriminalizes non-consensual electronic sharing of intimate images, directly strengthening data privacy protections under technology policy.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections

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in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jun 4, 2026

A 3980: "Powering Up New Jersey Act"; establishes requirements for certain public utility infrastructure investments.*

This bill requires New Jersey's electric public utilities (like PSE&G and Jersey Central Power) to create and submit detailed grid modernization plans within one year of the law's effective date. The plans must include specific projects to modernize the electricity distribution system, such as integrating energy storage, improving storm resilience, supporting renewable energy connections, and aligning with state greenhouse gas goals. The Board of Public Utilities reviews and approves these plans within 240 days, and utilities must implement approved plans within 90 days. To offset potential rate increases for customers, the bill establishes a new "Grid Modernization Ratepayer Relief Fund" to provide grants, prioritizing projects funded by federal infrastructure acts.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill mandates grid modernization plans including renewable energy integration, energy storage, and alignment with greenhouse gas goals, directly advancing clean energy infrastructure.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentRequires grid modernization with renewable energy integration and greenhouse gas alignment, directly advancing environmental protection goals.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill mandates grid modernization with tech integration (energy storage, renewable connections), advancing infrastructure technology adoption per summary.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Electric Grid Energy Storage Utility Regulation Climate Change

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

A 3656: Requires cable television companies to provide cable television service and broadband Internet speed to all committed service areas before cable television companies allow paid prioritization of Internet network traffic.

This bill amends New Jersey's cable television franchise application requirements, mandating that companies seeking municipal consent or system-wide franchises commit to specific service standards. It requires applicants to extend cable and broadband service to all residences and businesses within 150 feet aerial or 100 feet underground of existing infrastructure at no extra cost beyond standard installation, while meeting a minimum density of 35 homes per square mile. Additionally, companies must provide free cable and broadband access to public buildings (including schools, libraries, and emergency facilities) through dedicated service outlets, along with two public, educational, and government access channels. These commitments are binding for new franchise applications but do not alter existing service terms.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyMandates universal broadband access and prohibits paid prioritization, advancing net neutrality and expanding internet access per bill's service requirements and traffic management restrictions.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Broadband Access

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