Technology in New Jersey

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

A 396: Prohibits posting, publishing on the Internet, or disclosing certain information regarding military personnel.

This New Jersey bill (A 396) prohibits posting, publishing, or disclosing on the Internet the home address or unpublished phone number of active-duty military personnel, New Jersey National Guard members, or their spouses/children without consent. It directly affects military members and their families by preventing online exposure that could lead to harassment or safety risks. Violations carry criminal penalties (up to 5 years in prison for intentional acts) or require paying $1,000 per violation plus damages in civil lawsuits. Government agencies must obtain written permission before sharing such information online.

Topics ✓ Technology

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

A 2736: Updates certain crimes to include nonconsensual pornographic deepfake threats and disclosure.

New Jersey bill A2736 updates criminal laws to address nonconsensual deepfake pornography. It makes it a crime (third or fourth degree) to create or share deepfake images of someone in private moments without consent - such as deepfake porn videos or images of private body parts - using advanced AI technology to mimic real people. The law directly affects victims of nonconsensual deepfakes and individuals who create or distribute such content. Key provisions define "deepfake" clearly, prohibit sharing these images (including online), and set fines up to $30,000 for violations. The bill does not cover law enforcement or retail fitting room exceptions.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Artificial Intelligence

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

A 908: Requires hospitals and nursing homes to provide access to certain interpreter services for deaf and hard of hearing.

This bill requires all licensed hospitals and nursing homes in New Jersey to provide 24/7 interpreter services for deaf and hard of hearing patients. It mandates that these services include electronic options like video remote interpreting and AI-assisted tools, as approved by the Health Commissioner. The policy directly affects healthcare facilities and their patients with hearing disabilities. The bill takes effect 180 days after enactment.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Artificial Intelligence

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

A 2024: Requires each government entity in this State to conduct review of cybersecurity infrastructure and make recommendations.

This bill requires all New Jersey government entities - including municipalities, counties, school districts, and state agencies - to review their cybersecurity systems and submit recommendations. Each entity must evaluate current security, identify high-risk issues, propose improvements for computer systems/networks, and suggest policy changes. They must report findings to the Governor and Legislature within 45 days of the bill's effective date. The bill does not create new cybersecurity standards but mandates a systematic review process across all public entities.

Topics ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Cybersecurity

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

A 2411: Prohibits manipulation of certain caller identification information.

New Jersey's bill A2411 prohibits knowingly transmitting false or misleading caller identification information during phone calls or text messages with the intent to defraud, cause harm, or obtain value. It directly affects scammers who manipulate caller ID to impersonate others, as well as telecommunications companies providing caller ID services. The bill makes such actions unlawful under the state's consumer fraud law, with penalties including fines up to $20,000 per violation and potential court-ordered injunctions. Exceptions include law enforcement activities authorized by court order and allow blocking caller ID capabilities, while not restricting existing laws like the Do-Not-Call registry.

Topics ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Telecommunications

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

A 455: Requires cancellation option for any subscription service and establishes certain standards pertaining to use of negative option features.

This bill requires all subscription service providers in New Jersey (like streaming services, gym memberships, or software subscriptions) to give consumers a clear, easy way to cancel their subscriptions using the same method they signed up with - such as online, by phone, or in person. It specifically bans "negative option features" where silence or inaction is treated as agreement, mandating providers to get explicit consent before charging and to clearly disclose terms upfront. Providers must also place a prominent cancellation link on websites or in emails, making it simple for consumers to stop automatic renewals. The law expands existing rules (previously limited to health clubs) to cover all subscription services and prohibits misleading marketing or hidden cancellation processes.

Topics ✓ Technology

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

A 2074: Establishes School Connectivity Grant Program to expand access to online instruction for economically disadvantaged students; makes appropriation.

This bill creates a $2 million grant program within New Jersey's Department of Education to help schools provide internet and device access for economically disadvantaged students. It requires schools receiving grants to maintain one "online instruction equipment" unit (a connected device like a laptop plus a Wi-Fi hotspot or mobile broadband service) for every 12 students enrolled. Schools with the highest number of students lacking internet access will receive priority for funding. The program applies to public school districts, charter schools, and renaissance schools, with funds covering equipment costs to support remote learning.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Education ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Appropriations Broadband Access

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

A 3386: Establishes "Virtual Currency Kiosk Consumer Protection Act."

This bill establishes New Jersey's "Virtual Currency Kiosk Consumer Protection Act" to regulate businesses operating physical terminals that exchange cash for digital currency (like Bitcoin) or vice versa. It directly affects virtual currency kiosk operators (e.g., companies running crypto exchange machines) and the consumers using them. Key provisions require operators to provide clear, written risk disclosures to customers *before* any transaction, including material risks of virtual currency use, and to comply with federal anti-money laundering rules (Bank Secrecy Act/USA PATRIOT Act). The bill also mandates operator record-keeping for enforcement and restricts public disclosure of sensitive operational data while requiring basic operator information (name, address) to be publicly available.

Topics ✓ Technology

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

A 1726: Requires MVC to accommodate walk-in services on certain days.

This bill would require the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) to provide walk-in services at all agency locations at least two full days per week. It mandates that all walk-in customers be served on a first-come, first-served basis for every MVC service. The policy specifically aims to assist residents without reliable internet access or email who cannot use online scheduling systems. The bill would take effect three months after enactment, requiring MVC to implement these changes.

Topics ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Broadband Access

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

A 3841: Makes supplemental appropriation of $500,000 for Main Library Alliance.

This bill appropriates an additional $500,000 from the General Fund to the Main Library Alliance for library services. The funding supports the nonprofit organization’s work providing shared resources, technology, and programming to over 50 public libraries across five counties (Hunterdon, Morris, Somerset, Union, and Warren). The Main Library Alliance serves more than 700,000 patrons in 100+ municipalities through its member libraries. The bill directly affects these libraries and their communities by enabling continued access to library services and resources.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Appropriations State Budget

All technology bills