This bill amends New Jersey's stalking law to increase penalties when a perpetrator uses a device or program on the victim's phone to monitor communications or location. Normally, stalking is a fourth-degree crime (up to 18 months in prison and $10,000 fine), but if the stalking involves installing or using a monitoring tool on the victim's cellular or wireless device to intercept calls, messages, or track location, it becomes a third-degree crime (3-5 years in prison and up to $15,000 fine). The law specifically targets the misuse of common apps or preinstalled software, which are widely available but often used without consent in stalking cases. This change directly affects victims of tech-assisted stalking and those who exploit phone monitoring tools to harass others.
This bill creates a $100,000 grant program for New Jersey municipalities to promote local innovation achievements through street pole banners. Local governments must apply with specific plans for banners highlighting bioscience, telecommunications, clean energy, or other tech fields in their area. The state will select nine municipalities (three per region, with urban/suburban/rural representation) to receive grants for developing and installing these banners. Participating towns must report on banner installations and impacts within a year, and the state will compile results to assess potential statewide expansion.
This bill expands New Jersey's existing small business loan program to include certified rural broadband telecommunications service providers as eligible borrowers. It defines "broadband telecommunications service provider" as entities certified by the Board of Public Utilities to offer high-speed internet (25 Mbps download/3 Mbps upload) in rural areas (population ≤30,000 and ≤4,000 people/sq. mile). The program will allow these providers to access loans for capital purchases, employee training, and new positions - similar to other eligible businesses like farmers and dairy operations. The change modifies the eligibility definition in existing law without creating a new program.
New Jersey's S 3608 establishes uniform statewide rules for deploying small wireless facilities (like cell towers on streetlights) in public rights-of-way. It directly affects wireless providers (e.g., cell companies) and local authorities managing streets, sidewalks, and utility poles. Key provisions include standardized permitting processes, reasonable fees for deployment, and clear technical standards for facilities to ensure consistent, efficient installation while protecting community safety and infrastructure. The bill aims to accelerate broadband network development to meet public demand and support economic growth, aligning with federal requirements.
This bill requires New Jersey telecommunications companies to automatically provide prorated bill credits or refunds to customers experiencing service outages lasting more than 72 hours. It directly affects all telecom providers regulated by the state board, including traditional phone services and VoIP providers, and their customers. The key mechanism mandates that companies adjust bills proportionally for the outage duration without requiring customers to request the refund. The law specifies that refunds must be applied automatically to the next billing cycle, with no customer action needed. This applies to both local exchange carriers and interexchange telecommunications companies providing regulated services.
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.
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.
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.
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.
This bill expands New Jersey's small business loan program to include rural broadband telecommunications service providers certified by the Board of Public Utilities. It adds these providers to the list of eligible borrowers under the program, specifically targeting those offering broadband in rural areas (defined as municipalities with populations under 30,000 and low density). The change allows these providers to access loans for capital purchases, employee training, and new hires, aligning them with other small business categories. The bill amends existing law to include this new eligibility category without altering other program requirements.
