Technology

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly May 14, 2026

A 5089: "AI Image Disclosure Act"; concerns disclosure of certain AI-generated content.

This bill, known as the AI Image Disclosure Act, requires companies in New Jersey that create or host publicly accessible artificial intelligence systems to label their AI-generated content. The law mandates two types of disclosures: a visible label that clearly identifies the material as AI-created, and a hidden digital marker containing details about the provider, the specific AI system used, and the creation date. These requirements apply to both the original creators of the technology and any entities that license these systems for use within the state. Additionally, the bill ensures that licensed users cannot remove these hidden markers and holds providers accountable if they know their licensees are violating this rule.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill mandates disclosure and labeling of AI content to protect consumers from misinformation and enhance transparency.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Artificial Intelligence

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passed · New Jersey · Senate Jun 18, 2026

S 4309: Allows online news publication to use municipal, county, or State-wide circulation requirements to meet eligibility standards; extends grace period for qualifying newspapers.

This New Jersey bill allows online news websites to publish required legal notices by meeting specific traffic thresholds instead of relying solely on traditional print circulation numbers. To qualify, an online publication must demonstrate a certain number of monthly unique visits based on its geographic reach, such as 4,000 visits for a municipality, 50,000 for a county, or 350,000 for the entire state. The legislation also mandates that these sites remain free to access, archive notices for at least one year, and display their traffic statistics clearly to the public. Additionally, the bill extends a grace period for newspapers that are currently eligible to continue meeting these standards during the transition.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill recognizes online news as valid for legal notices, promoting digital inclusion and expanding internet access for legal compliance.85% confidence

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in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 11, 2026

S 4156: Imposes certain duties on persons or entities engaged in business pertaining to criminal records and imposes penalties for disseminating expunged record; increases maximum fine for current disorderly persons offense.

This bill strengthens protections for individuals whose criminal records have been expunged by increasing the maximum fine for knowingly revealing such records from $200 to $2,000. It also imposes new duties on businesses that collect or sell criminal records, requiring them to regularly update their data, immediately delete expunged entries, and inform clients that their records are only valid as of the collection date. Additionally, the legislation establishes a penalty of up to $5,000 or actual damages for these businesses if they knowingly distribute expunged records, including legal costs and attorney fees. These changes directly affect employers, background check services, and other entities that handle criminal history data in New Jersey.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill strengthens protections for expunged records, increases penalties for unauthorized disclosure, and mandates data deletion, thereby protecting civil rights and supporting criminal justice reform.90% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill strengthens data privacy by enforcing strict deletion of expunged records and penalizing unauthorized disclosure, protecting individual digital rights.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Firearms

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in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 28, 2026

S 4351: Provides that unexpended nonpublic textbook aid or aid for Nonpublic Technology Initiative may be used to support services provided under other program.

This bill allows New Jersey school districts to use leftover state funding from the nonpublic textbook aid program or the Nonpublic Technology Initiative to pay for services in the other program. Currently, districts must return any unused money from these specific programs after the school year ends. The legislation changes this rule by permitting the transfer of unspent funds between the two programs to help cover costs, provided any remaining balance is refunded by December 1. This change directly affects school districts that receive state aid for nonpublic schools and may help them utilize available resources more flexibly.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill allows reuse of unexpended funds between programs, promoting fiscal efficiency and preventing waste of state resources.85% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill allows transfer of unspent funds between programs to cover costs, preventing waste and enhancing financial flexibility for school districts.85% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill allows transfer of unspent funds from the Nonpublic Technology Initiative to other programs, ensuring continued availability of technology resources for schools.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Curriculum

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in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly May 7, 2026

A 4956: Prohibits contracts for procurement and licensing of electronic literary materials from including certain provisions.

This New Jersey bill prohibits contracts between public libraries and publishers from including clauses that restrict how libraries manage or lend electronic books and audiobooks. The legislation specifically bans provisions that limit a library's ability to make preservation copies, use interlibrary loan systems, set loan periods, or charge fees based on how many times a book is borrowed. Additionally, the bill prevents contracts from stopping libraries from sharing contract terms with other libraries or the state government, and it treats violations as unfair business practices under state consumer fraud laws.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill protects library access to electronic materials, enhancing educational resources and access for students.85% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill protects library autonomy in managing electronic materials, preserving digital access and preventing restrictive licensing terms.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Libraries

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in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly May 14, 2026

A 5088: "AI Likeness Protection Act"; concerns distributing realistic representation of individual's image, likeness, or voice created using generative artificial intelligence.

The AI Likeness Protection Act requires anyone distributing realistic images, videos, or audio created by artificial intelligence to obtain consent from the person depicted or their guardian. This rule applies to content that looks like a real person but was generated by a computer rather than captured from actual footage. The law allows people to sue for damages if their likeness is used without permission, unless the creator clearly labels the content as AI-generated or the use is satire involving a public figure. By mandating consent and labeling, the bill aims to protect individuals from having their identity misused in deceptive or harmful ways.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill protects individual likeness and voice from unauthorized AI use, enhancing digital rights and consumer protection.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Artificial Intelligence Consumer Data Protection

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in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 21, 2026

S 4322: Requires healthcare platforms to advise and consult with consumers.

This bill requires healthcare platforms in New Jersey to advise and consult with consumers regarding the therapeutic values, hazards, and uses of drugs, biologicals, and devices they send. The law mandates that these platforms provide this information using electronic methods such as email, text messaging, or video calls. It directly affects online services that allow members to obtain discounts on medications or access telemedicine services. The legislation clarifies that these platforms must follow existing pharmacy practice standards when communicating with users about their prescriptions and medical devices.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates platforms to advise consumers on drug safety and usage, enhancing patient access to information and protecting patient rights.85% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill mandates electronic communication for consumer protection, enhancing digital rights and accessibility in healthcare.80% confidence

Sub-Topics Prescription Drugs Telehealth Digital Government

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in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly May 7, 2026

A 4903: Modifies film and digital media content production tax credit program to allow certain websites or content developed for Internet gaming to qualify as digital media content.

This bill modifies New Jersey's film and digital media tax credit program to include certain websites and content created for internet gaming as eligible digital media projects. Under the new rules, companies producing this type of online content can receive tax credits based on the amount of money they spend on services and goods purchased from New Jersey vendors. To qualify, producers must meet specific spending thresholds, ensure a significant portion of their workforce is employed in the state, and submit verification reports from independent accountants. The legislation aims to expand the existing incentive structure to support the growth of the internet gaming sector within the state's entertainment industry.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill expands tax credits for digital media and gaming, encouraging local spending and economic activity.85% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill expands tax incentives for internet gaming content, promoting digital media production and economic activity in the technology sector.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Tax Credits

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in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 11, 2026

S 4177: Requires certain record keeping related to municipal rent control compliance; appropriates $2 million.

This bill requires landlords in New Jersey municipalities with rent control ordinances to file detailed compliance forms with local clerks and mandates that these records be made publicly available online. It establishes a new digital system managed by the Department of Community Affairs to store and search these records, while also providing grants to help towns digitize existing paperwork. To enforce these rules, the bill creates a rebuttable presumption that rent control applies if records are missing and imposes a $150 penalty for knowingly submitting false information. Additionally, the legislation appropriates $2 million to fund the creation of this online system and to assist municipalities with record digitization.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill appropriates $2 million to fund a digital compliance system and grants for digitization, directly advancing fiscal management and public service funding.85% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill strengthens tenant protections by enforcing rent control compliance, mandating public record-keeping, and funding digital systems for transparency.90% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill mandates public availability of records online and funds digitization of paperwork, promoting digital access and transparency.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Renters Tenant Rights

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passed · New Jersey · Senate Jun 18, 2026

S 4373: Expands memorandum of understanding requirements for purpose of consolidated application for residential utility assistance programs.

This bill requires the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs to create formal agreements with state agencies and nonprofit energy groups that offer their own utility assistance programs. The goal is to integrate these separate programs into a single, user-friendly online application portal for residents seeking help with utility bills or energy efficiency measures. Under the new rules, these partner organizations must work with the department to update the consolidated form and report any temporary assistance programs so they can also be included. This change aims to simplify the process for households applying for financial aid by centralizing multiple options into one digital system.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill streamlines utility assistance and energy efficiency programs, protecting consumers and improving access to energy support.90% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill streamlines utility assistance access, aiding low-income housing stability.75% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill creates a unified online application portal, enhancing digital access and user experience for utility assistance.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Energy Efficiency

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