Technology in New Jersey

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

A 3282: Authorizes issuance of electronic copies of vital records.

This bill authorizes New Jersey registrars to issue certified electronic copies of vital records - including birth, death, marriage, domestic partnership, and civil union certificates - alongside traditional paper copies. It specifies that authorized requesters (such as the record subject, family members, government agencies, or legal representatives) can receive these electronic copies upon request. The Commissioner of Health must establish security standards for electronic copies, including encryption, identity verification, data privacy protocols, and authentication features to prevent forgery. Registrars may charge fees for electronic copies but must ensure they meet the same legal standards as paper certified copies.

Topics ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Data Privacy

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Mar 23, 2026

S 3522: Establishes "Privacy Protection Act"; concerns collection and sharing of certain personal information.

This bill prohibits New Jersey government entities and healthcare facilities from collecting or sharing certain personal information, including immigration status, citizenship, birthplace, Social Security numbers, and tax IDs, except when necessary to provide public services or benefits. It prevents these entities from disclosing such information publicly, except under specific legal circumstances like court orders, subpoenas, or when required for election eligibility. The bill also specifically restricts the sale or sharing of automated license plate recognition data collected by government agencies. These provisions aim to limit unnecessary data collection and protect individuals seeking public services or healthcare.

Topics ✓ Immigration ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Citizenship & Naturalization Data Privacy

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

A 2220: Requires affirmative written consent for certain entities to disclose individual's medical information regarding reproductive health care services, with limited exceptions, unless disclosure is necessary to provide those services.

This New Jersey bill (A 2220) requires health care providers and insurance carriers to obtain a patient's explicit written consent before sharing their medical records related to reproductive health care services - such as pregnancy, contraception, or abortion care - unless specific exceptions apply. The law directly affects patients receiving these services, ensuring they control how their sensitive health information is used or shared. Key exceptions include medical emergencies, legal requirements (like court orders), sharing with a patient's own health care team, or disclosures to authorities investigating abuse. The bill prohibits selling, marketing, or using such records for non-treatment purposes without consent, while preserving existing federal privacy protections under HIPAA. Violations could result in $1,000 penalties per incident.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Women's Health

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

A 1251: Prohibits use of new merchant category code by credit card companies for purchases of firearms and ammunitions.

New Jersey's bill A1251 prohibits credit card companies from using a new International Organization for Standardization merchant category code specifically for firearm or ammunition purchases. The law requires retailers selling firearms or ammunition to be classified under existing codes for general merchandise or sporting goods, rather than a separate "firearms" category. This prevents credit card processors from flagging or tracking legal firearm purchases through transaction data. The bill aims to protect Second Amendment rights and prevent potential privacy risks from financial institutions recording lawful gun purchases. It applies to payment settlement entities, merchants, and financial institutions processing card transactions in New Jersey.

Topics ✓ Technology

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

A 1372: Prohibits soliciting or phishing for personal identifying information.

This bill (A 1372) makes it a crime to solicit or induce others to share personal identifying information - such as Social Security numbers, credit card details, or biometric data - for identity theft or fraud. It directly affects individuals or entities attempting to obtain such information through deceptive means, including phishing scams. The law defines personal identifying information broadly to cover details used to identify a specific person, and violations are punishable as disorderly persons offenses (up to 6 months in jail or a $1,000 fine). The bill aims to prevent identity theft by criminalizing the solicitation of sensitive data, aligning with existing identity theft definitions under New Jersey law.

Topics ✗ Criminal Justice ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Corrections Consumer Data Protection

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Feb 19, 2026

S 3627: Establishes Blockchain Promotion and Integration Program.

This bill establishes the Blockchain Promotion and Integration Program in New Jersey, administered by the Commission on Science, Innovation and Technology with input from the Economic Development Authority. The program directly assists New Jersey businesses - especially small businesses - by increasing public awareness of blockchain technology, providing technical and financial support for adoption, connecting companies with resources, and recruiting investment into the blockchain sector. Key provisions include requiring the Commission to analyze New Jersey's blockchain industry landscape, partner with the New Jersey Blockchain Council and small business groups, and submit annual reports to the Governor and Legislature on progress and recommendations. The program aims to foster growth in blockchain-related business opportunities within the state.

Topics ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Emerging Technology

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

A 2420: Requires disclosure of data recording devices in motor vehicles; limits access to recorded data.

This bill requires vehicle manufacturers to disclose in the owner's manual when a car has a data recording device (like an event data recorder). It gives vehicle owners control over access to recorded data - such as speed, location, and crash information - and restricts others from accessing it without consent, except in specific cases like emergencies, repairs, court orders, or safety research. Insurers cannot penalize owners for refusing to share this data, and the bill prohibits altering crash data after serious incidents. It directly affects vehicle owners, manufacturers, insurers, and emergency responders.

Topics ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Consumer Data Protection

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

All technology bills