Technology in New Jersey

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

A 1433: Establishes "Task Force on Supportive Technology for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities."

This bill creates a 15-member "Task Force on Supportive Technology for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities" in New Jersey. The task force will study how helpful devices and technology (like communication tools or mobility aids) can improve daily life for people with developmental disabilities, focusing on employment, education, and daily activities. It will identify barriers to using this technology and recommend state policy changes, reporting to the Governor and Legislature within 18 months. The task force includes government officials, disability advocates, healthcare experts, and individuals with lived experience. The bill expires 30 days after the task force submits its final report.

Topics ✓ Technology

Tags People with Disabilities

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Feb 2, 2026

S 3268: Prohibits use of facial recognition technology on consumer except for legitimate safety purpose.

S 3268 prohibits stores, restaurants, and other public venues from using facial recognition technology on customers, except when needed for genuine safety reasons like preventing violence. It defines "facial recognition" as software that identifies people by face or tracks their movements/emotions, and "legitimate safety purpose" as actions that reduce risks to life or safety. Businesses violating this law face fines up to $20,000 per offense or court-ordered penalties. The bill applies to any public place selling goods or services, including entertainment venues.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✗ Technology

Sub-Topics Courts Consumer Data Protection Emerging Technology

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Feb 24, 2026

S 3668: Requires notification of use of artificial intelligence system in certain communications with consumers.

This bill requires businesses using artificial intelligence systems to communicate with consumers online to clearly inform them they are interacting with AI before continuing the conversation. Specifically, businesses must state that an AI is being used and provide immediate access to a human contact method (like a phone number, website, or available hours). Violations would be treated as consumer fraud under New Jersey law, potentially resulting in fines up to $20,000 per offense. The law directly affects businesses communicating with consumers via digital platforms, such as chatbots or automated customer service systems.

Topics ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Artificial Intelligence

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

A 3307: Regulates artificial intelligence in news media industry; establishes "Artificial Intelligence In Communications Oversight Committee."

New Jersey's A 3307 bill requires news media organizations to prohibit using artificial intelligence to replace human journalists and mandates clear labeling of AI-generated content. Specifically, it requires news outlets to prominently label AI content, credit sources, and include disclaimers about potential inaccuracies. Violations - including using AI instead of staff or failing to label content - carry escalating civil penalties ($10,000 for first violations, up to $30,000 for repeat offenses). The bill directly affects all news media entities in New Jersey (including newspapers, TV, radio, and digital platforms) and establishes an oversight committee to study AI impacts, though enforcement falls to the Attorney General. The bill was introduced in January 2026 and remains pending before the Assembly committee.

Topics ✗ Technology

Sub-Topics Artificial Intelligence

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

A 3648: Establishes Rural Broadband Infrastructure Grant Program in EDA; appropriates $2.5 million in federal funds.

This bill creates a $2.5 million Rural Broadband Infrastructure Grant Program using federal funds from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. It provides grants to organizations like internet providers, non-profits, and local governments to build or improve broadband infrastructure in rural New Jersey areas lacking adequate service (defined as 25 Mbps download/3 Mbps upload). Grants are capped at $75,000 per project, require a 25% private matching contribution, and prioritize projects targeting unserved areas. The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) will administer the program and report annually on grant distribution and outcomes.

Topics ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Broadband Access Telecommunications Tags Rural Communities

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Feb 19, 2026

AJR 128: Designates October of each year as "Cyber Security Awareness Month."

AJR 128 designates October of each year as "Cyber Security Awareness Month" in New Jersey to educate all state residents about online safety risks and responsible digital behavior. The bill requires the Governor to issue an annual proclamation encouraging public officials, private organizations, and citizens to participate in awareness activities during October. It does not create new laws or funding but aligns New Jersey with the federal National Cyber Security Awareness Month designation. The resolution aims to increase public understanding of threats like data breaches, fraud, and privacy risks, building on existing state efforts like the Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Cell.

Topics ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Cybersecurity Online Safety

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

A 839: Requires DOLWD to develop and execute information technology stress test and emergency telework plan for employees.

This bill requires New Jersey's Department of Labor and Workforce Development (DOLWD) to create two key plans: an IT stress test to evaluate system resilience during crises, and an emergency telework program for employees. The IT test must identify technology weaknesses exposed during the pandemic and propose solutions to modernize systems within five years after the state's public health emergency ends. DOLWD must also establish a consistent telework program that considers employee requests while aligning with agency needs during emergencies. The department must report its findings and cost estimates to the Governor and Legislature within six months of completing each IT test.

Topics ✓ Technology

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

A 973: Expands definition of personal data to include use of reproductive health care services and prohibits collection of reproductive health care prescription drugs from Prescription Monitoring Program.

This bill expands New Jersey's definition of "personal data" to explicitly include a person's use of reproductive health care services. It directly affects residents seeking reproductive health care and entities handling their health data, such as providers and pharmacies. The key provision prohibits collecting prescription drug information related to reproductive health services in Prescription Monitoring Programs (PMPs), preventing this sensitive data from being shared with state drug monitoring systems. This change strengthens privacy protections by ensuring such health data cannot be used for purposes unrelated to patient care.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Prescription Drugs Women's Health Data Privacy

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

A 619: Establishes crime of doxxing.

This New Jersey bill (A 619) creates a new criminal offense for "doxxing," defined as knowingly sharing someone's personal details (like address or phone number) online without consent to cause fear of harm, violence, or stalking. It specifically targets disclosures that create a serious risk of bodily injury, stalking, or severe emotional distress (mental anguish) to the person or their close relations - such as family, household members, or close associates. Exceptions apply for good-faith disclosures to the public about suspected unlawful conduct, to law enforcement, or during official investigations. Violations are a fourth-degree crime (up to 18 months in jail or $10,000 fine), escalating to a third-degree crime if serious harm occurs.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Corrections Domestic Violence Law Enforcement

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

A 441: Establishes the "New Jersey Health Care and Privacy Protection Act"; bars disclosure of certain geolocation data.

This bill, the "New Jersey Health Care and Privacy Protection Act," prohibits businesses from disclosing precise geolocation data (like GPS coordinates within 1,750 feet) of individuals near reproductive health care facilities. It directly affects businesses that collect location data (e.g., apps, services) and patients seeking reproductive health care, including abortion, contraception, and pregnancy testing services. The key provision bans the sharing of such location data when individuals are near these facilities, while excluding public records or communication content. The law aims to protect patient privacy by preventing location tracking from being used to identify or target people accessing these services.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Women's Health

All technology bills