Technology in New Jersey

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

AR 96: Encourages municipalities to accept electronically submitted documents from licensed architects and landscape architects.

This Assembly Resolution (AR 96) encourages New Jersey municipalities to adopt the practice of accepting electronically submitted, digitally signed documents from licensed architects and landscape architects. It directly affects municipalities and the architects/landscape architects who submit documents, building on existing rules from the State Board of Architects that became effective May 1, 2017. The resolution promotes electronic submissions because they allow municipalities to receive documents instantly, reduce paper usage and storage needs, and align with growing government preferences for digital workflows. It does not mandate electronic submissions but urges municipalities to support this method whenever possible.

Topics ✓ Technology

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

A 1260: "Human Trafficking and Child Exploitation Prevention Act"; requires Internet-connected devices to have blocking capability in certain circumstances.

This New Jersey bill (A-1260) requires manufacturers and sellers of internet-connected devices to include digital blocking technology that automatically restricts access to obscene material, child pornography, revenge porn, and websites linked to human trafficking or prostitution. It directly affects device companies and minors (who must have blocking active unless they pay a $20 opt-out fee to deactivate it). Key provisions include mandatory blocking of harmful content, a 5-day window to unblock mistakenly blocked material upon consumer report, and quarterly fees ($20 per device) sent to fund the state’s Human Trafficking Commission. The bill is not yet law - it was introduced January 2026 and referred to committee.

Topics ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Data Privacy Online Safety

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

A 2608: Provides funding to nonprofit organizations to implement smart technology and artificial intelligence systems to enhance security infrastructure.

This bill establishes New Jersey's "Equitable Nonprofit Security and Innovation Grant Program," providing funding to eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations (including places of worship) to implement smart technology and artificial intelligence systems for security enhancement. Nonprofits can receive up to $25,000 for smart tech (e.g., motion sensors, energy-efficient systems) or up to $100,000 for AI security systems (e.g., threat detection, real-time monitoring), with priority given to organizations serving at-risk communities, communities of color, interdisciplinary groups, and collaborative networks. The Office of Homeland Security will administer the program, requiring applicants to submit security needs assessments and ensuring AI systems avoid discrimination. Grants must be used solely for these technology implementations within New Jersey, with the program requiring annual $14 million funding requests and a five-year impact evaluation.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Artificial Intelligence

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

A 2003: Prohibits investment by State of pension and annuity funds in companies engaging in government contracts or business operations infringing on data privacy of individuals for purpose of determining immigration status.

This New Jersey bill prohibits state pension and annuity funds from investing in companies that collect or manipulate personal data - without a warrant or court order - to determine immigration status or citizenship. It requires the State Investment Council to identify such companies using an independent privacy firm, then divest funds from them by January 1 of the second year after the bill takes effect, while following standard investment practices. The Council must submit annual reports detailing divested investments and progress to the Governor and Legislature. The bill also shields officials from legal liability for divestment decisions made under its requirements.

Topics ✓ Immigration ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Citizenship & Naturalization Data Privacy

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

A 768: Permits testing and use of autonomous vehicles on State roadways under certain circumstances.

New Jersey's bill A 768 would allow manufacturers to test self-driving vehicles on public roads under strict conditions. It requires manufacturers to obtain $5 million in insurance, get state agency approval, and prove their technology meets safety standards - including disengagement systems, visual alerts, and 30-second crash data recording. The bill mandates written disclosures to buyers about data collected by the vehicle's sensors and requires testing on private roads or out-of-state roads before public testing. This legislation directly affects autonomous vehicle manufacturers seeking to test in New Jersey, not individual drivers or passengers.

Topics ✓ Technology ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Autonomous Vehicles

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

A 3090: Establishes fourth degree crime of cyber-interference.

This bill makes it a fourth-degree crime to intentionally tamper with or interfere with someone else's electronic device (including smart home systems, security systems, phones, or cameras) with the purpose of harassing them. It defines "electronic device" broadly to cover any device capable of transmitting or recording information electronically. Violations carry penalties of up to 18 months in jail, a $10,000 fine, or both. The law applies directly to individuals who engage in such interference, not to the devices or systems themselves.

Topics ✗ Criminal Justice ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Corrections

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

A 3082: Establishes public-private partnerships to share de-identified traffic data.

This bill creates a framework for New Jersey's Department of Transportation (DOT) to partner with private companies to collect and share de-identified traffic data. It allows private entities to handle the development and operation of data projects using location information (like vehicle positions within 1,750 feet) and driving conditions, as long as the data cannot be linked to specific individuals. The goal is to provide real-time, accurate information to motorists and the DOT about road closures, weather, and traffic conditions. All projects must comply with state data privacy laws, and private partners are explicitly not considered state agencies.

Topics ✓ Technology ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Data Privacy Autonomous Vehicles Roads & Highways Traffic Safety

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

A 2862: Prohibits any foreign company created under laws of foreign adversary from participating in critical infrastructure.

New Jersey's Bill A 2862 prohibits foreign companies created under the laws of a "foreign adversary" from participating in the construction, maintenance, or control of critical infrastructure within the state. It defines "critical infrastructure" to include communication networks, electric power systems, gas distribution, water pipelines, and related equipment. The bill requires all New Jersey state agencies and political subdivisions to comply with this ban, with existing agreements not being renewed if they conflict with the law. The prohibition applies to foreign governments designated by the U.S. Secretary of Commerce as having engaged in conduct significantly adverse to U.S. national security.

Topics ✓ Technology

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

A 1381: Broadens statute that criminalizes cyber-harassment of minor.

This bill (A1381) proposes to expand New Jersey's cyber-harassment law to make it a more serious offense when an adult (18 or older) harasses a minor online, removing the previous requirement that the offender must impersonate a minor. The key change clarifies that targeting minors online with threats, lewd content, or criminal threats becomes a third-degree crime (with potential 3-5 year prison time), while other cyber-harassment remains a less severe fourth-degree offense. It also requires courts to order minors convicted of cyber-harassment to complete educational programs about online safety, and imposes fines on parents who fail to ensure their minor complies with these court orders. The bill aims to strengthen protections for minors by broadening criminal penalties and adding accountability for both offenders and parents.

Topics ✗ Criminal Justice ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Corrections Courts Online Safety

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

A 3052: Requires EDA to create needs-matching website for eligible entities.

This bill requires New Jersey's Economic Development Authority (EDA) to create a free website connecting eligible businesses and organizations with suppliers for their specific needs. It directly affects entities in tech and science sectors like biotechnology, renewable energy, and advanced computing - such as businesses, research facilities, and nonprofits - that can post needs (e.g., equipment, labor, space) and find matching suppliers. The website must also list public and private funding sources, including state/federal grants, to help these entities access resources. The EDA must develop and maintain this tool, prioritizing the needs of these eligible groups. The bill takes effect immediately upon passage.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Renewable Energy Tags Economic Development

All technology bills