This bill requires New Jersey's Attorney General to study how law enforcement agencies currently use facial recognition technology and issue a report with recommendations for statewide policy within six months. The report must assess the technology's accuracy, summarize existing law enforcement usage (including for police reports), and propose guidelines for its future use. It applies to all state and local police departments. The study does not create new laws but aims to inform potential future policy decisions.
This bill establishes the New Jersey Artificial Intelligence Advisory Council to study how state agencies use artificial intelligence and provide recommendations for ethical, safe implementation. The council, composed of the state's Chief Technology Officer, two legislative members (appointed by chamber leaders with party balance), and two public AI experts (appointed by the Governor), will assess AI's benefits and risks, develop guidelines to prevent biased decision-making and protect data privacy, and recommend best practices for state agencies. The council must submit a final report to the Governor and Legislature within one year of its first meeting and then dissolve. This directly affects state agencies that will use the council's guidance for AI procurement and implementation.
This bill creates the Blockchain Promotion and Integration Program under New Jersey's Commission on Science, Innovation and Technology, in partnership with the Economic Development Authority. It directly supports New Jersey businesses - especially small businesses - by increasing public awareness of blockchain technology, providing technical and financial assistance for adoption, and connecting firms with resources through partnerships with the New Jersey Blockchain Council and small business groups. Key provisions include analyzing the state's blockchain sector, recruiting capital investment, and requiring annual reports to the Governor and Legislature on progress and recommendations. The program is designed to foster growth in blockchain and decentralized digital technology industries within New Jersey. The bill was introduced on January 13, 2026, and is pending before the Assembly Science, Innovation and Technology Committee.
S 1668 establishes the "Artificial Intelligence Innovation Partnership" in New Jersey, administered by the Commission on Science, Innovation and Technology. It provides funding to certified nonprofit organizations that collaborate with emerging AI technology businesses, universities, and research institutions to support AI innovation and commercialization within the state. The program specifically targets early-stage AI companies conducting research, pilot manufacturing, or technology commercialization in New Jersey, including those owned by underrepresented groups. Nonprofits must meet specific tax and incorporation requirements to qualify for funding under this initiative.
This bill creates the Emerging Technology Urban Grant Program, administered by New Jersey's Economic Development Authority (EDA). It provides financial assistance to qualifying emerging technology businesses for cloud computing services if they locate or maintain headquarters in designated urban technology zones (including cities like Newark, Trenton, and others meeting specific population criteria). To qualify, businesses must commit to keeping headquarters in these zones for five years, have 100 or fewer full-time employees, and demonstrate recent growth (20% employee increase or revenue growth). The grant covers the actual cost of eligible cloud services, aiming to spur job creation and economic revitalization in targeted urban areas.
This bill establishes the "Innovation Partnership" program, administered by New Jersey's Commission on Science, Innovation and Technology, to fund nonprofit organizations supporting emerging technology businesses. It directly affects minority-owned and women-owned tech companies (defined as businesses where 51%+ ownership and control is held by minorities or women) in fields like cybersecurity, biotechnology, renewable energy, and advanced computing. The program provides funding through a dedicated "Fund" to help these businesses develop new technologies, conduct pilot manufacturing, and commercialize innovations. Nonprofit "Innovation Partners" certified by the commission will identify and support qualifying businesses, aiming to strengthen New Jersey's tech ecosystem.
