Technology in New Jersey

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

A 2455: Requires ballot scanning machines to have privacy screen, shield, or curtain; requires use of privacy screens and shields at polling places.

This bill requires ballot scanning machines (used in counties that count hand-marked paper ballots) to include a privacy screen, shield, or curtain to protect voter secrecy when inserting ballots. It also mandates that all voting booths in polling places must have privacy screens, shields, or curtains, ensuring voters can prepare ballots privately without observation. These changes apply statewide to all counties using ballot scanning machines and update existing election laws to standardize privacy protections. The bill aims to maintain consistent ballot secrecy across New Jersey, regardless of voting system or location.

Topics ✓ Technology

Tags Elections

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Mar 16, 2026

A 1368: Requires certain State employees to receive training in cybersecurity best practices.

Bill A 1368 requires all New Jersey State employees with access to state agency computers - including legislators and executive branch staff - to complete annual cybersecurity training. The training, developed by the New Jersey Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Cell (NJCCIC), covers practical skills like updating passwords, detecting phishing scams, preventing ransomware, and responding to data breaches. The Director of Homeland Security must create implementation guidelines for the program. The law takes effect immediately upon passage.

Topics ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Cybersecurity

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

A 1459: Expands EDA small business loan program to include certain broadband telecommunications service providers.

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.

Topics ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Broadband Access Telecommunications Tags Rural Communities

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

A 1551: Requires BPU to study potential deployment of advanced transmission technologies in NJ.

New Jersey's bill A1551 requires the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to study advanced transmission technologies (ATT) that can improve existing power grid infrastructure without building new lines. These technologies include smart grid software, high-performance conductors, and systems that reduce congestion, increase capacity, and boost efficiency - potentially cutting costs and speeding up project timelines compared to traditional transmission builds. The BPU must evaluate ATT's benefits for safely meeting rising energy demand (driven by data centers, manufacturing, and population growth), assess state policies that have successfully adopted similar technologies, and hold public meetings to gather input. The study must be completed within one year, with findings reported to the Governor and Legislature to inform future grid planning.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Electric Grid Transmission

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jun 30, 2026

A 4357: Extends certain pay parity regarding telemedicine and telehealth.*

This bill permanently requires New Jersey health insurance carriers to pay the same reimbursement rate for telemedicine and telehealth services as they do for in-person visits, provided the service is otherwise covered. It ensures patients face no higher deductibles, copays, or coinsurance for telehealth compared to in-person care. The law prohibits insurers from restricting where telehealth services can occur, limiting which technology platforms providers can use, or denying coverage for routine remote monitoring. It directly affects health insurance companies, healthcare providers offering telehealth, and patients receiving covered telehealth services. The policy change applies to all health benefits plans in New Jersey without time limits.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Insurance Telehealth

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

A 2627: Prohibits residential landlord from imposing certain surcharges for rent payments.

This New Jersey bill (A 2627) prohibits landlords from charging tenants more than $5 per month for using digital payment methods (like credit cards or online platforms) to pay rent. It directly affects renters - especially fixed-income tenants, seniors, and low-wage earners - who often face cumulative fees of hundreds of dollars annually. Landlords must cover any fees exceeding $5 per payment or reimburse tenants within 10 days, and provide itemized receipts showing compliance. Violations trigger penalties under existing housing laws, including potential consumer fraud claims.

Topics ✓ Housing ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Landlords Renters Tenant Rights

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jun 1, 2026

A 3968: Establishes fully autonomous vehicle pilot program.*

This bill creates a five-year pilot program to test fully autonomous vehicles in New Jersey, requiring companies and institutions (called "autonomous vehicle testers") to obtain approval from the Motor Vehicle Commission before operating these vehicles. Participants must register vehicles, carry at least $5 million in liability insurance, and ensure operators are licensed, sober, and capable of taking manual control at any time. A task force of safety officials, industry experts, and consumer advocates will oversee the program, address safety concerns like collisions or cyberattacks, and provide quarterly reports. Testing will occur in controlled facilities and designated public road sections, with strict safety protocols to protect the public while allowing evaluation of autonomous technology.

Topics ✓ Technology ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Autonomous Vehicles Roads & Highways

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Feb 19, 2026

S 3608: Provides for uniform regulation of small wireless facility deployment in this State.

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.

Topics ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Broadband Access Telecommunications

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

A 2679: Requires NJT to provide Wi-Fi service on passenger trains.

This bill requires New Jersey Transit (NJT) to provide onboard Wi-Fi service on all passenger trains it owns or operates within six months of the law taking effect. It directly affects NJT as the implementing entity and all passengers traveling on NJT rail services. The key provision mandates that every rail passenger vehicle must have Wi-Fi, expanding beyond NJT’s current station-based Wi-Fi hotspots. The law takes effect immediately upon approval.

Topics ✓ Technology ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Rail

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

A 1324: Requires social media companies to take certain actions concerning accounts maintained by or featuring minors.

New Jersey's bill A-1324 requires social media companies with at least 5 million global users to implement specific safety measures for minors under 18. Key provisions include developing algorithms to detect inappropriate adult-minor interactions, real-time monitoring for abuse with automatic reporting to authorities, and blocking minor accounts from appearing in search results unless the searcher is a pre-approved contact. The bill also mandates geo-fencing to restrict minors' access to inappropriate content, verification processes for accounts using minors' names/likeliness in over 25% of paid promotional posts (requiring parental ID), and public banners identifying verified adult accounts. Enforcement falls to the Division of Consumer Affairs, with fines up to $2,500 per violation for noncompliance.

Topics ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Social Media

All technology bills