Technology in New Jersey

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

A 3454: "Digital Asset and Blockchain Technology Act."

This bill establishes a licensing framework for businesses operating with digital assets (like cryptocurrencies) in New Jersey. It requires companies engaging in activities such as storing, trading, or issuing digital assets to obtain a license from the Bureau of Securities, unless exempt. Key exemptions include digital consumer assets used solely within online gaming platforms that don’t convert to cash or other currencies. The law explicitly excludes traditional securities from its scope and applies to activities occurring within New Jersey or targeting New Jersey residents.

Topics ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Emerging Technology

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

A 711: Requires public institution of higher education to establish plans concerning cyber security and prevention of cyber attacks.

New Jersey bill A 711 requires public colleges and universities to create and maintain cyber security plans to protect student and staff data. The plans must cover monitoring for threats, assessing risks, preventing breaches, and responding to incidents. Institutions must regularly update these plans and consult with the state’s Cybersecurity Center for best practices. The bill defines a "cyber attack" as unauthorized access to personal information (like Social Security numbers or financial data) without proper security, but excludes phishing attempts and legitimate employee data use. It also mandates reporting actual cyber attacks to the state office while clarifying what does not count as an attack.

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Cybersecurity Data Privacy

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

A 897: Exempts personal identifying information of minor from disclosure in public record; requires information to be redacted.

This bill requires New Jersey government agencies to redact personal identifying information of minors from public records. It specifically mandates the removal of details like names, addresses, Social Security numbers, phone numbers, email addresses, and driver's license numbers when such information appears in records maintained by state agencies (e.g., child protective services, wildlife licensing). The law applies to all government records covered under New Jersey's Open Public Records Act, ensuring minors' sensitive data is not publicly accessible. This directly affects minors whose personal details are documented in state records, such as in child welfare cases or licensing applications. The policy change shifts the burden to agencies to proactively redact this information upon record creation or release.

Topics ✓ Technology

Tags Government Transparency

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

A 1543: Requires redaction of certain personal identifying information on vehicle accident reports.

This bill (A-1543) requires government agencies to redact specific personal identifying information from vehicle accident reports in New Jersey. It amends existing laws (P.L.1995, c.23 and P.L.2001, c.404) to clarify which details - such as full names, addresses, or Social Security numbers - must be removed to protect privacy. The bill directly affects drivers, law enforcement, and anyone accessing accident reports for non-commercial purposes. It does not specify exact redaction requirements in the provided text, only referencing the need for redaction under amended statutes. The bill is procedural in nature, focusing on modifying record-keeping standards rather than creating new policy.

Topics ✓ Technology

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

AR 101: Urges generative artificial intelligence and content sharing platforms to make voluntary commitments to prevent and remove harmful content.

AR 101 is a non-binding resolution urging major generative AI and social media platforms to voluntarily commit to preventing and removing deepfakes (manipulated videos/images falsely depicting people) and cheapfakes (AI-altered content). It targets companies that host or distribute such content, asking them to proactively address harms like disinformation, blackmail, and reputational damage. The resolution does not create new legal requirements but encourages industry action, aligning with similar efforts by the federal government and 12 other states. It was introduced to the Assembly Science, Innovation and Technology Committee on January 13, 2026.

Topics ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Artificial Intelligence Consumer Data Protection Social Media

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

A 3326: Makes use of algorithmic systems to influence price and supply of residential rental units unlawful.

This bill prohibits landlords and property management software companies from using algorithmic systems to coordinate rental prices across multiple properties. It defines a "coordinator" as any entity operating software that collects price data from multiple landlords, analyzes it with algorithms, and recommends rental rates or occupancy levels. The law makes it unlawful for landlords to subscribe to such services or for coordinators to facilitate price-fixing agreements that reduce competition. The bill addresses New Jersey's affordable housing crisis, where median rents for three-bedroom apartments rose 35% from 2021-2024 and over half of renters spend more than 30% of income on rent.

Topics ✓ Housing ✗ Technology

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Renters Tenant Rights

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

A 2708: Establishes "Next Gen STEM Support Act" to provide financial assistance for innovative STEM programs.

The Next Gen STEM Support Act establishes a state grant program to provide public schools in New Jersey with funding for STEM coursework, resources, and extracurricular activities. Public schools applying for grants must detail current STEM offerings, student participation, and resource needs, with funds limited to expanding existing or new STEM programs (capping professional training for educators at one-third of each grant). The program requires annual reports on fund usage and impact, allocates grants based on commissioner-developed criteria within a $100,000 annual budget cap, and prioritizes geographic and demographic diversity in school selection. This directly affects public schools seeking to enhance science, technology, engineering, and math education through state-funded support.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Education ✓ Technology

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

A 1163: Expands definition and qualifications of online newspaper for required public advertisements.

This bill expands New Jersey's definition of qualifying newspapers to include online publications for government notices. It requires digital newspapers seeking to publish official notices (like bids or public announcements) to meet three specific criteria: demonstrate audience service in the relevant area, provide email newsletters containing notices, and offer notices in Spanish plus one other prominent regional language. The bill directly affects online news outlets that want to replace print publications for government advertising, while keeping existing print newspaper requirements unchanged. These changes apply to all state and local government agencies publishing legal notices.

Topics ✓ Technology

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Feb 19, 2026

S 3611: Directs planning boards to submit certain data center development plans to BPU and State Planning Commission and requires State Planning Commission approval for data center development under MLUL; excludes data centers from economic development subsidies.

S 3611 would require local planning boards to submit data center development plans to the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) and the State Planning Commission. It mandates that the State Planning Commission must approve data center projects under New Jersey's Municipal Land Use Law (MLUL). The bill also explicitly excludes data centers from receiving state economic development subsidies. These changes would directly affect data center developers and alter local planning procedures for such projects in New Jersey.

Topics ✗ Budget & Taxes ✗ Technology

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

A 3072: Establishes Artificial Intelligence Grant Program in Office of Secretary of Higher Education.

This bill establishes a grant program within New Jersey's Office of the Secretary of Higher Education to fund nonprofit organizations providing artificial intelligence education and training. Nonprofits must apply and demonstrate comprehensive AI programs, with grants awarded based on criteria like hosting ethical AI discussion events, partnering with government agencies, and including diverse board representation. The program will provide up to four annual grants of $25,000 each to qualifying nonprofits, requiring them to report on fund usage and impact to state officials. Funds will come from a newly created "Artificial Intelligence Education Fund" funded annually by the state. The bill directly affects nonprofits delivering AI education, not individuals or businesses.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Education ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Artificial Intelligence

All technology bills