Technology in New Jersey

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 2327: Regulates use of social care information.

S 2327 regulates how social care information is handled in systems that connect people to support services. It prohibits participating organizations (like healthcare providers, housing agencies, nonprofits, and tech vendors) from selling or sharing social care information stored in "Closed-Loop Referral Systems" (CLRS), which are platforms that track referrals for non-medical needs like housing, food, or transportation. The bill also bans using this information for any purpose beyond its original intent, with violators facing $1,000 civil penalties per violation. This directly affects entities managing CLRS systems across New Jersey.

Topics ✓ Technology

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 2479: Authorizes parent or guardian to place security freeze on child's consumer report.

This New Jersey bill (S 2479) allows parents or legal guardians to place a security freeze on a child's credit report. It directly affects minors under 18 (defined as "protected consumers") by giving their parents/guardians control over their credit information. The key provision requires credit reporting agencies to place a freeze within 5 business days of a written request from a parent/guardian, with agencies creating a new record for the child if none exists. The freeze prevents the agency from sharing the child's credit report without the parent/guardian's permission, though it doesn't stop the agency from notifying third parties that a freeze is active.

Topics ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Consumer Data Protection

in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 11, 2026

S 1677: Establishes fully autonomous vehicle pilot program.*

New Jersey's S 1677 establishes a three-year pilot program enabling autonomous vehicle testers (including manufacturers, universities, and fleet operators) to test self-driving cars on public roads. Testers must register vehicles with the Motor Vehicle Commission, carry $5 million in liability insurance, and ensure licensed operators are seated in the driver's seat monitoring operations. A seven-member task force will oversee safety protocols, handle collision responses, gather public feedback, and coordinate with law enforcement on security guidelines throughout the program.

Topics ✓ Technology ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Autonomous Vehicles

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 2678: Establishes right to record law enforcement activity under certain circumstances.

This bill, the "New Jerseyans’ Right to Monitor Act," grants New Jersey residents the right to record police activities while not under arrest or in custody. It protects individuals who record law enforcement actions from being stopped, threatened, arrested, or having their recording equipment seized solely for recording - unless officers have probable cause to believe the recorder is obstructing police work. Violations allow affected people to sue for damages, attorney fees, and other remedies in court. The law explicitly prohibits physical interference with police but ensures recordings and related equipment remain in the recorder's possession. It applies directly to all New Jersey citizens and law enforcement officers statewide.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Courts Drug Policy Policing

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 2081: Revises penalty provision of law concerning prohibition of certain unsolicited text messages.

S 2081 revises penalties for businesses that send unsolicited text message advertisements without recipient consent, which directly affects companies and marketers sending such messages in New Jersey. It establishes a two-tiered penalty system: $500 for a first violation, $1,000 for a second violation, and escalates to the Consumer Fraud Act (CFA) penalties ($10,000 for a first CFA offense, $20,000 for subsequent offenses) for a third or later violation. The law specifies that a third violation is treated as a first CFA offense, while fourth or additional violations are considered subsequent CFA offenses. These changes aim to strengthen enforcement against repeat violators by applying higher penalties under the CFA for ongoing violations.

Topics ✓ Technology

died · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 450: Criminalizes use of "signal jammers."

S 450 would make it a fourth-degree crime in New Jersey to use signal jammers that block cell phone signals, GPS, or emergency communications. The bill expands existing state law to specifically prohibit interfering with radio communications licensed under federal law (such as cell networks) and using scanning receivers designed to intercept cellular transmissions. This aligns New Jersey's penalties with federal prohibitions (47 U.S.C. §§ 301 and 333), which already ban signal jamming. The law targets devices that disrupt authorized communications, including those used to block emergency services or prevent calls/texts.

Topics ✓ Technology

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 2085: "Fair Repair Act"; concerns repairs to certain consumer electronics.

S 2085, the "Fair Repair Act," requires manufacturers of consumer electronics sold in New Jersey to provide independent repair shops and equipment owners with the same diagnostic tools, repair manuals, and replacement parts they offer to their own authorized repair centers. It mandates that manufacturers sell these materials at "fair and reasonable terms," considering factors like cost, market rates, and affordability for smaller repair businesses. The bill specifically prohibits manufacturers from withholding security-related repair documentation and exempts trade secrets from disclosure requirements. If enacted, this would directly affect electronics manufacturers, independent repair shops, and consumers seeking affordable repair options. The bill is currently pending in the Senate Commerce Committee after its January 2026 introduction.

Topics ✓ Technology

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 436: Provides free telecommunication services for incarcerated persons at State, county, and private adult and juvenile correctional facilities.

This bill requires all New Jersey state, county, private, and juvenile correctional facilities to provide free voice calls, video calls, and email services for incarcerated people. It eliminates all costs for both inmates and their families by banning per-minute charges (previously up to 11 cents), surcharges, commissions, or fees on these services. Facilities must maintain current access levels and transfer any remaining prepaid funds to inmates' commissary accounts. The bill appropriates funds from the General Fund to cover implementation costs and takes effect six months after enactment.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics State Budget Juvenile Justice

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 1472: Exempts personal information from redaction and nondisclosure requirements in certain public filings and records.

This bill creates an Office of Information Privacy within New Jersey's Department of Community Affairs to manage requests for redacting home addresses from public records. It directly affects judicial officers, law enforcement officers, child protective investigators, prosecutors, and their immediate family members living in the same household. The key mechanism establishes a secure online portal where authorized individuals (like family members or designees) can request or revoke redaction of covered persons' home addresses, bypassing standard public disclosure requirements. The office will handle these requests, evaluate exceptions, and provide clear guidance on the redaction process. This change aims to enhance privacy protections for these public safety workers and their families by streamlining how their home addresses are handled in public records.

Topics ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Data Privacy Digital Government

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 2527: Directs Attorney General to establish program for anonymous reporting of potential threats to school safety.

S 2527 directs New Jersey's Attorney General to create a program allowing anonymous reporting of potential school safety threats. It enables students, parents, staff, and community members to report unsafe activities via accessible methods like a phone tip line or mobile app, with strict privacy protections ensuring reporters' identities remain confidential unless voluntarily disclosed. The program requires automatic forwarding of reports to law enforcement or school officials, along with mandatory training for schools and law enforcement on handling tips. Annual reports must track total reports, usage patterns, misuse instances, and outcomes, to be submitted to the Governor and legislature.

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics School Safety

All technology bills