Technology in New Jersey

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

A 770: Requires certain disclosures of intentionally deceptive audio or visual media.

This New Jersey bill (A 770) requires producers of deceptive audio or video content - such as AI-generated deepfakes - to include clear disclosures when distributed online in the state. It mandates specific disclosures based on media type: watermarks for videos, written text at the bottom of screens for visual content, and verbal statements for audio. The law applies to content falsely depicting living or deceased people’s actions without consent, if it risks causing harm like election interference or reputational damage. Exemptions cover artistic works (e.g., parodies, historical reenactments), minor edits to authentic recordings, and content with already prominent disclaimers.

Topics ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Artificial Intelligence

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

A 1362: Requires modernization of all State blanks, forms, documents, and applications to incorporate new standards for collection of information about sex, gender, and sexual orientation.

This bill requires all New Jersey state agencies to update public forms, documents, and applications to modernize how they collect information about sex, gender, and sexual orientation. It mandates that such data only be collected when vital for health services, makes it optional for statistics with clear labeling, and requires sensitive questions that allow non-binary options and align with LGBTQ advocacy best practices. Individuals (or their parents/guardians for minors) retain full control over disclosing this information, and state agencies must verify federal requirements before including such questions on forms. The bill directly affects all state agencies and every New Jersey resident who interacts with state forms, aiming to replace outdated practices that conflated sex/gender and excluded non-binary identities.

Topics ✓ Technology

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

A 1852: Requires certain notifications and free credit reports for customers following breach of security of personal information within business or public entity.

This bill requires businesses and public entities that handle personal information of New Jersey residents to notify affected customers promptly after a security breach involving unauthorized access to their data. It mandates written or electronic notice within the "most expedient time possible," including details about compromised information and steps to protect accounts, while eliminating the current option for "substitute notice" (like website postings) for large-scale breaches. Businesses must also cover the cost of providing customers with free credit reports from consumer reporting agencies for six months following a breach, with payment for up to 12 months of reports. The law applies to any entity maintaining computerized records with NJ residents' personal data and requires prior reporting of breaches to the State Police before customer notification.

Topics ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Data Privacy

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

A 829: Requires school districts to implement policy pertaining to use in school setting of medical devices that require utilization of district's internet.

This New Jersey bill requires school districts to create policies for students using internet-connected medical devices (like remote monitoring tools) prescribed by healthcare providers. The policies must be developed within 90 days and cover parental information sharing, strict data privacy protections, and staff training. School districts must also maintain necessary technology infrastructure, with funding available through a new "Medical Device Technology Fund" grant program. Districts must annually report student usage numbers, implementation challenges, and suggestions for improvement to the state education commissioner. The bill directly affects school districts, students with medical devices, and their parents/guardians.

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Healthcare ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics School Safety Student Health Telehealth Data Privacy

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

A 3931: Removes requirement that local units may only provide broadband telecommunication service via wireless community service network.

This bill removes a restriction that previously required local governments (counties, municipalities, and other local units) to provide broadband services only through "wireless community networks." It allows local units to choose any method - wireless, wired, or other infrastructure - to build, operate, or contract for broadband telecommunications service. The change gives local governments greater flexibility in how they deliver high-speed internet access to residents and businesses within their jurisdictions. This is a direct policy change affecting all New Jersey local governments seeking to expand broadband infrastructure.

Topics ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Broadband Access Telecommunications

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

A 1111: Requires Department of Treasury to review and approve digital payment platform.

This bill requires New Jersey's Department of Treasury to review and approve a blockchain-based digital payment platform designed for legal, licensed businesses without access to traditional banking services (often operating cash-only). The platform would enable cashless transactions with a 1:1 virtual currency-to-dollar exchange, managed through an immutable blockchain ledger that records all business transactions. Businesses must obtain state approval to use the platform, which would also handle sales tax payments to municipalities and support regulatory compliance and audits. The law aims to expand digital commerce access for underserved businesses while ensuring security and transparency.

Topics ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Emerging Technology

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

A 4253: Requires MVC to establish centralized license plate search system.

This bill requires New Jersey's Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) to create a centralized online system allowing vehicle owners to view and pay for outstanding parking or traffic violations using their license plate number. The system must let users check unpaid tickets and pay fines electronically, while meeting strict cybersecurity standards to protect user data through encryption. It directly affects all New Jersey drivers who own vehicles registered in the state. The MVC must establish this system within seven months of the bill's enactment, with implementation coordinated with courts.

Topics ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Cybersecurity

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

A 2941: Requires owners or operators of certain solar energy facilities to inspect facility's infrastructure for presence of remote-access devices.

This bill requires owners or operators of solar energy facilities 1 megawatt or larger to inspect power inverters and related infrastructure within six months for remote-access devices that could allow unauthorized disruption of operations. Affected components must be replaced with secure alternatives. New facilities of this size cannot begin operations without completing this inspection. The law aims to address security risks identified by experts, where unlisted devices in inverters could potentially enable grid disruptions by hostile actors.

Topics ✓ Technology

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

A 4102: Requires SNAP retailers to take measures to help prevent card skimming.

This bill requires New Jersey SNAP retailers (stores that accept SNAP benefits) to install technology on all checkout terminals to prevent card skimming - where criminals illegally steal payment card details. Starting January 31, 2027, retailers must equip terminals with anti-skimming features approved by the Department of Human Services. The department can inspect stores, impose fines up to $5,000 per violation, and exclude repeat offenders from the SNAP program after four violations. The law directly affects SNAP retailers and aims to protect customers' payment information.

Topics ✓ Technology

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

A 2433: Upgrades crime of stalking when stalking activity is carried out or assisted by installation or use of communication or location monitoring program or device on cellular phone or wireless mobile device.

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.

Topics ✗ Criminal Justice ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Corrections Domestic Violence Telecommunications

All technology bills