Technology in New Jersey

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

A 3912: Requires CATV companies to provide free broadband Internet service and associated equipment to public libraries and, under certain circumstances, other municipal buildings.

This bill requires CATV companies (cable providers) to provide free broadband Internet service, including necessary equipment like routers, to public libraries, fire stations, police stations, public schools, and other municipal buildings used for public purposes. It directly affects CATV companies operating under system-wide franchises in New Jersey, mandating this service without charge as part of their franchise applications or renewals. Key provisions include requiring business-class bandwidth for public libraries proportional to their needs, while other covered buildings receive basic service. The requirement applies only to buildings explicitly listed in the bill and is tied to new franchise approvals or renewals after the bill's effective date.

Topics ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Broadband Access

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

A 1160: Requires DOH to evaluate technology uses in long-term care settings, implements certain technological requirements within long-term care settings, and clarifies existing telehealth reimbursement parity includes long-term care settings.

This bill requires New Jersey long-term care facilities (like nursing homes) and home/community-based care providers to implement certified electronic health record systems within 270 days, with state grants available to support this transition. It also clarifies that telehealth services provided in long-term care settings must receive reimbursement rates equal to in-person services (with limited exceptions for audio-only visits), ensuring parity for these settings. Additionally, facilities must provide internet, TV, and phone access in every resident room within six months, with funding available to help cover costs. These requirements apply directly to licensed long-term care facilities and home-based providers, aiming to improve care coordination and resident connectivity.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Long-Term Care Telehealth

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Feb 9, 2026

S 3402: Establishes Office of Permitting and Broadband Deployment and Development Efficiency in Department of State and establishes NJ Permit Fast Track Program; appropriates $2 million.

This bill establishes the Office of Permitting and Broadband Deployment and Development Efficiency within New Jersey's Department of State and creates the NJ Permit Fast Track Program. The Office will regulate access to utility poles and rights-of-way, enforce strict timelines for permit processing (30 days for pole disputes, 180 days for others), publish a statewide permit list online, and recommend efficiency improvements to the Governor and Legislature. It directly affects project developers (especially for critical infrastructure or economic development projects), utilities managing poles/conduits, and local governments issuing permits. The bill appropriates $2 million to fund the Office's operations and the Fast Track Program.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Energy ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Broadband Access Telecommunications

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

A 2726: Regulates use of automated employment decision tools in employment decisions to minimize discrimination in employment.

This bill (A 2726) requires employers in New Jersey to use bias audits for automated tools that screen job applicants or make employment decisions (like hiring, promotions, or pay). It mandates that sellers of these tools provide annual bias audits evaluating potential discrimination against protected groups (such as race, gender, or disability), and employers must post audit summaries online and notify candidates 10 days before using such tools. The law applies to all employers, including government agencies, and aims to prevent biased outcomes by requiring independent reviews and transparency. The bill is pending before the Assembly Science, Innovation and Technology Committee.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment ✓ Technology

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Feb 24, 2026

S 3702: Restricts use of certain artificial intelligence generated communications in election campaigns.

This New Jersey bill (S 3702) restricts AI-generated content in election campaigns. It bans publishing AI-created campaign materials (like ads, social media posts, or phone messages) within 90 days of an election, requires clear labeling of all AI-generated content with "Artificial intelligence was used in creating this message," and prohibits deceptive AI content falsely portraying opponents. The law applies to campaigns, political committees, and individuals funding election communications. Violations are punishable as a fourth-degree crime, carrying up to 18 months in jail or a $10,000 fine.

Topics ✗ Technology

Sub-Topics Artificial Intelligence Social Media

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

A 2768: Establishes Office of Permitting and Broadband Deployment and Development Efficiency in Department of State and establishes NJ Permit Fast Track Program; appropriates $2 million.

This bill (A-2768) creates the Office of Permitting and Broadband Deployment Efficiency within New Jersey’s Department of State to streamline permitting for development projects. It establishes the "New Jersey Permit Fast Track Program" to expedite permits for qualifying critical infrastructure and economic development projects, appropriating $2 million for implementation. The office will regulate utility pole access (setting 30-day dispute resolution), publish a statewide permit list, and recommend efficiency improvements. It directly affects project developers seeking permits and state/local permitting authorities by standardizing processes and reducing delays. The program requires applications detailing project scope and permit status, with eligibility determined by the Department of State.

Topics ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Broadband Access

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

AR 36: Establishes Assembly Select Committee on COVID-19 Contact Tracing Data Privacy.

This resolution establishes the Assembly Select Committee on COVID-19 Contact Tracing Data Privacy to examine how personal data collected through contact tracing during the pandemic is handled. The committee, made up of nine Assembly members (five appointed by the Speaker, four by the Minority Leader), will study data collection, storage, usage, and privacy safeguards to balance public health needs with individual privacy rights. It must submit findings and recommendations within 60 days of organizing, with the resolution ending 30 days after the report is delivered. The committee’s work will inform potential future policies on protecting contact tracing data privacy.

Topics ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Consumer Data Protection Data Privacy Tags Privacy

signed · New Jersey · Senate Aug 11, 2026

S 3412: Requires Social Media Research Center to research and make recommendations concerning addictive social media behaviors.*

S 3412 would require certain social media platforms in New Jersey to display a black box warning about mental health risks to users, similar to health warnings on tobacco products. The bill targets platforms primarily designed for social connection (like Facebook or TikTok) that have users in New Jersey, excluding services focused on news, entertainment, or e-commerce. This requirement is based on findings that youth social media use exceeding three hours daily doubles risks of depression and anxiety, and platforms are aware of these harms. The warning must be displayed on platforms meeting the bill's definition of "covered social media platforms," affecting all users of those services in the state.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Mental Health Social Media

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Feb 24, 2026

S 3639: Requires BPU, DCA, and DEP to establish expedited approval and permitting procedures for artificial intelligence data centers powered by small modular nuclear reactors.

This bill requires New Jersey's Board of Public Utilities (BPU), Department of Community Affairs (DCA), and Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to create streamlined permitting processes for AI data centers powered by on-site small modular reactors (SMRs) within 12 months. It mandates expedited approvals for site selection, construction plans, electrical interconnection, and environmental permits (including wetlands, coastal, and water protection acts). The law directly affects AI data center developers and SMR manufacturers seeking to build or retrofit facilities using SMRs (defined as 50-300 MWe reactors requiring U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission licensing). The policy change focuses on accelerating project timelines without altering safety or environmental standards.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Nuclear Transmission Artificial Intelligence

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

A 2594: Imposes certain requirements on use of automated license plate readers by law enforcement agencies.

This bill requires New Jersey law enforcement agencies to follow strict rules when using automated license plate readers (ALPRs). It prohibits unauthorized access or use of ALPR data (a disorderly persons offense punishable by up to 6 months in jail or a $1,000 fine) and mandates annual audits to ensure ALPRs are used only for legitimate law enforcement purposes. Agencies must submit detailed annual reports to the Attorney General covering device counts, data readings, storage, data requests (including out-of-state/federal), and security breaches. Finally, it sets a two-year mandatory retention period for ALPR data (with limited early purging allowed for cost reasons) and requires date stamps on transferred data to maintain compliance.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Corrections Law Enforcement

All technology bills