Technology (Broadband Access)

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

AR 23: Urges United States Congress to renew funding for Affordable Connectivity Program.

This resolution (AR 23) urges the U.S. Congress to renew funding for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which provides broadband internet discounts to low-income households. The ACP currently offers up to $30/month (or $75 on Tribal lands) for internet service and a one-time $100 device discount, benefiting over 20 million households nationwide - including 335,079 in New Jersey as of January 2024. The program is set to expire in April 2024 if Congress does not provide additional funding to replenish its $14.2 billion budget. New Jersey has received $152 million in ACP funding, saving enrolled households $8.3 million monthly on internet costs.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill explicitly urges renewal of ACP funding to maintain broadband discounts for low-income households, directly expanding internet access and promoting digital equity.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Broadband Access

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

A 3912: Requires CATV companies to provide free broadband Internet service and associated equipment to public libraries and, under certain circumstances, other municipal buildings.

This bill requires CATV companies (cable providers) to provide free broadband Internet service, including necessary equipment like routers, to public libraries, fire stations, police stations, public schools, and other municipal buildings used for public purposes. It directly affects CATV companies operating under system-wide franchises in New Jersey, mandating this service without charge as part of their franchise applications or renewals. Key provisions include requiring business-class bandwidth for public libraries proportional to their needs, while other covered buildings receive basic service. The requirement applies only to buildings explicitly listed in the bill and is tied to new franchise approvals or renewals after the bill's effective date.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyMandates free broadband for public libraries/schools, expanding internet access and promoting digital equity in municipal infrastructure.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Broadband Access

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in committee · New Jersey · Senate Feb 9, 2026

S 3402: Establishes Office of Permitting and Broadband Deployment and Development Efficiency in Department of State and establishes NJ Permit Fast Track Program; appropriates $2 million.

This bill establishes the Office of Permitting and Broadband Deployment and Development Efficiency within New Jersey's Department of State and creates the NJ Permit Fast Track Program. The Office will regulate access to utility poles and rights-of-way, enforce strict timelines for permit processing (30 days for pole disputes, 180 days for others), publish a statewide permit list online, and recommend efficiency improvements to the Governor and Legislature. It directly affects project developers (especially for critical infrastructure or economic development projects), utilities managing poles/conduits, and local governments issuing permits. The bill appropriates $2 million to fund the Office's operations and the Fast Track Program.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAppropriates $2 million for a new office and program, directly allocating state funds for government efficiency initiatives within budgetary framework.85% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyRegulates utility poles (critical energy infrastructure) and streamlines permitting for projects, facilitating faster deployment of energy infrastructure development.80% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyEstablishes broadband deployment efficiency program with fast-track permits, directly expanding internet access infrastructure95% confidence

Sub-Topics Broadband Access Telecommunications

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

A 2768: Establishes Office of Permitting and Broadband Deployment and Development Efficiency in Department of State and establishes NJ Permit Fast Track Program; appropriates $2 million.

This bill (A-2768) creates the Office of Permitting and Broadband Deployment Efficiency within New Jersey’s Department of State to streamline permitting for development projects. It establishes the "New Jersey Permit Fast Track Program" to expedite permits for qualifying critical infrastructure and economic development projects, appropriating $2 million for implementation. The office will regulate utility pole access (setting 30-day dispute resolution), publish a statewide permit list, and recommend efficiency improvements. It directly affects project developers seeking permits and state/local permitting authorities by standardizing processes and reducing delays. The program requires applications detailing project scope and permit status, with eligibility determined by the Department of State.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill creates Office of Broadband Deployment Efficiency and Fast Track Program to expedite permits for broadband infrastructure, appropriating $2M to expand internet access.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Broadband Access

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

AR 52: Urges President and Congress of United States to restore "net neutrality" in federal law.

New Jersey's Assembly Resolution AR 52 urges Congress and the President to restore net neutrality rules by reversing the 2017 FCC decision that removed regulations preventing internet service providers (ISPs) from slowing speeds, blocking content, or creating paid "fast lanes." It specifically calls for reinstating the 2015 framework where all internet traffic must be treated equally, ensuring no discrimination against websites or applications. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new law but formally requests federal action to enforce these principles. The resolution directly addresses the federal government, not New Jersey residents or ISPs.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill explicitly urges restoration of net neutrality (2015 framework), preventing ISP discrimination and ensuring equal internet access - directly advancing consumer protection and digital equity in tech policy.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Broadband Access Telecommunications

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

A 3786: Establishes Digital Divide Solutions Grant Program in DOE to assist public schools in purchase of connected devices and Internet access for students during periods of remote instruction.

This bill establishes a grant program within New Jersey's Department of Education to help public school districts, charter schools, and renaissance schools provide connected devices (like laptops or tablets), Wi-Fi hotspots, mobile internet access, and related equipment to students lacking them during remote learning. The grants cover full costs for devices per student, internet access per household, device accessories (e.g., cases, headsets), and insurance for theft or damage, funded primarily by federal pandemic relief funds like the CARES Act. Schools must return equipment within five days after remote instruction ends, use 95% of funds for devices (with 5% for family training on internet safety), and report on purchased items and remaining access gaps within one year. The program directly supports students and families affected by the digital divide during school closures.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationEstablishes grant program to fund devices/internet access, expanding student educational access during remote learning.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyFunds devices and internet access for students lacking them during remote learning, directly expanding digital equity and internet access as per topic description.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Broadband Access Online Safety

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

A 1033: Requires certain CATV companies to provide Internet service at public libraries with business customer class Internet access bandwidth and circuit capacity proportional to public libraries' needs.

This bill requires CATV companies with system-wide franchises in New Jersey to provide free, business-class Internet service at public libraries. The Internet access must have bandwidth and circuit capacity proportional to each library's specific needs, not standard residential service. It applies only to new or renewed franchise applications for CATV companies serving municipalities. The requirement is part of a broader set of commitments CATV companies must make when applying for system-wide franchises, specifically outlined in Section 28(k) of the amended law. The bill does not mandate this service for existing franchises but applies to new applications.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyMandates business-class internet at public libraries, expanding access quality beyond residential standards, directly advancing internet access as a technology policy.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Broadband Access

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

A 4287: Establishes Safe Remote Learning Program in DOE to support provision of remote instruction facilities by public schools.

This bill establishes New Jersey's Safe Remote Learning Program within the Department of Education to support schools providing remote instruction during the pandemic. It requires schools to set up remote learning facilities meeting specific standards: equipped with connected devices and mobile broadband internet, staffed by qualified personnel, and operating under health guidelines. The program prioritizes access for students eligible for free meals and children of essential workers (including school staff), with schools reimbursed for facility costs using federal CARES Act funds. It directly affects public school districts, charter schools, and renaissance schools implementing virtual learning, ensuring equitable access to remote instruction resources.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationEstablishes DOE program to fund remote learning facilities, prioritizing underserved students and ensuring access to devices/internet, directly advancing educational access and infrastructure.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyRequires schools to provide mobile broadband internet for remote learning, directly expanding internet access for students, especially vulnerable groups.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Broadband Access

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

AJR 53: Urges Congress and U.S. President to enact "Securing Local Communities Input in Broadband Development Act."

This New Jersey joint resolution (AJR 53) urges Congress to pass the "Securing Local Communities Input in Broadband Development Act," which would prevent the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) from overriding local government input on broadband infrastructure projects, including 5G tower deployments. It specifically targets FCC rules that preempt state and local regulations affecting broadband permitting and aesthetics. The resolution highlights concerns about rapid 5G construction in communities like Belmar, NJ, where local input on such projects is currently limited by federal rules. This is a procedural request, not a new law, seeking to restore local decision-making authority in infrastructure development.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill promotes local control over broadband infrastructure, ensuring community input in 5G and broadband deployment to expand access and address local needs.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Broadband Access Telecommunications

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

A 3648: Establishes Rural Broadband Infrastructure Grant Program in EDA; appropriates $2.5 million in federal funds.

This bill creates a $2.5 million Rural Broadband Infrastructure Grant Program using federal funds from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. It provides grants to organizations like internet providers, non-profits, and local governments to build or improve broadband infrastructure in rural New Jersey areas lacking adequate service (defined as 25 Mbps download/3 Mbps upload). Grants are capped at $75,000 per project, require a 25% private matching contribution, and prioritize projects targeting unserved areas. The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) will administer the program and report annually on grant distribution and outcomes.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyFunds $2.5M rural broadband grants to expand internet access in underserved areas, directly advancing infrastructure for digital equity and internet access.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Broadband Access Telecommunications Tags Rural Communities

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