Technology (Telecommunications)

This bill (S 971) upgrades stalking charges when perpetrators use monitoring devices or apps on a victim’s phone to track location or intercept communications. It directly affects victims of stalking and stalkers who misuse technology like location trackers or communication-monitoring apps installed on the victim’s device. The key change makes such stalking a third-degree crime (up to 5 years in prison) instead of a fourth-degree crime (up to 18 months), applying when the stalking involves accessing the victim’s phone data or location through installed programs or devices. The law targets common tools like pre-installed apps or downloadable trackers, not general phone use.

This bill requires New Jersey telecommunications companies to automatically provide prorated bill credits or refunds to customers who experience service outages exceeding 72 hours. It directly affects all telecom providers offering telephone services regulated by the state board, including both competitive carriers and traditional telephone utilities. The key mechanism mandates that companies adjust bills without requiring customers to request the refund, ensuring automatic compensation for extended outages. This applies to all customers with affected service, with no action needed from them to receive the credit.

This bill requires New Jersey's Office of Information Technology (OIT) to partner with private companies to build and operate a statewide wireless network through a public-private partnership agreement. It directly affects state government agencies that would use the network and private telecommunications companies eligible to bid on the contract. Key provisions include: requiring OIT to hold public hearings, prove the partnership costs less than a public option, and structure agreements where the private entity manages the network for a set term before returning full control to the state. The private entity finances construction and receives network revenue during the agreement, while OIT retains ownership and final oversight. The bill is currently pending in the Senate Economic Growth Committee after introduction on January 13, 2026.

This bill requires CATV companies (cable providers) seeking new municipal franchises or renewing existing ones to provide free broadband Internet service and necessary equipment (like routers) to public libraries, fire stations, public schools, police stations, and other municipal buildings. Public libraries must receive business-class broadband with bandwidth matching their specific needs. The requirement applies only to CATV companies operating under municipal franchises approved after the bill's effective date. It does not affect existing service agreements or require free broadband for private entities.