Bill S 103 creates new criminal offenses for the unlawful possession and use of credit card scanners in New Jersey. It makes possessing such a device without a lawful purpose a disorderly persons offense (misdemeanor punishable by up to $1,000 fine or 6 months in jail), and using it for unlawful purposes a second-degree crime (felony punishable by up to $150,000 fine or 5-10 years in prison). The bill directly affects individuals who handle credit card scanners without authorization, such as those attempting to steal card data. Key provisions define "credit card scanner" broadly as any device that reads, records, or transmits card information, and establish specific penalties for each violation. The law takes effect two months after enactment.
This bill requires explicit permission from individuals or their representatives before collecting genetic information from DNA samples, with specific exceptions. It prohibits law enforcement from using crime victims' or witnesses' DNA to investigate unrelated family members - a practice recently reported to cause unintended consequences. Exceptions include newborn screening under existing health programs, paternity testing, DNA databases for criminal investigations, and medical research where identities remain anonymous. The law also mandates healthcare providers to inform patients about how their genetic data will be handled and protected.
The Fusion Technology Industry Promotion Act establishes a state program to support New Jersey's fusion technology sector and attract related businesses. The New Jersey Economic Development Authority will run the program, providing research, technical assistance, and market representation to fusion technology companies. It also authorizes public investment (capped at 59% ownership) in a new private "fusion industry development company" to leverage public and private funding for industry growth. This bill directly affects fusion technology businesses, research institutions like Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory, and the state's economic development strategy.
This bill requires vehicle manufacturers to provide owners and their authorized representatives (like mechanics) with real-time, free access to vehicle data such as speed, location, crash information, and brake performance. Owners can request this data in a machine-readable format without fees, decryption requirements, or needing manufacturer-provided tools. It directly affects vehicle owners seeking to access their own vehicle data for repairs, personal use, or safety verification. The law mandates that manufacturers share this data as collected by the vehicle's systems, excluding audio/video recordings.
This New Jersey bill would require consumer reporting agencies to provide consumers with three free credit reports annually upon request, replacing the current one free report per year. It directly affects New Jersey residents who regularly check their credit history, allowing them to monitor their financial information more frequently without cost. The key provision amends state law to increase the annual free report limit from one to three, with no charge for each request within a 12-month period. This change would give consumers greater access to their credit data for financial planning and error detection.
S 2077 creates a one-year pilot program allowing New Jersey military members on active duty overseas and their eligible spouses or dependents to vote by internet in primary and general elections during the year the bill takes effect. The Secretary of State must develop a secure internet voting system that verifies voter identity, protects ballot privacy, and allows for audits, while following federal guidelines and best practices from other jurisdictions. The program requires consultation with local election officials, public outreach to eligible voters, and a report to the legislature within 120 days of the general election to recommend whether to continue, expand, or end the pilot. The state will appropriate necessary funds from the General Fund to cover the program's costs.
New Jersey bill S 389 prohibits posting judges' or prosecutors' home addresses or unlisted phone numbers online when done with intent to cause harassment or risk of harm, or in reckless disregard of that risk. It directly affects judges (Supreme Court, Superior Court, Tax Court, municipal judges), prosecutors (county and assistant prosecutors), and designated court administrative staff. Violating this law is a fourth-degree crime punishable by up to 18 months in prison, a $10,000 fine, or both. The bill mirrors existing protections for law enforcement officers under New Jersey law.
S 1159 prohibits the creation and distribution of non-consensual deepfake pornography in New Jersey, imposing criminal penalties and civil fines up to $30,000. It specifically targets deceptive audio or visual media that falsely depicts someone engaging in sexual activity without their consent, defining "deepfake" as technology that authentically mimics a person’s appearance or conduct. The law directly affects individuals who produce or share such content without consent, while protecting victims of this non-consensual exploitation. Key mechanisms include criminalizing both the creation (third-degree crime) and distribution (third-degree crime) of deepfake pornography, with exceptions only for law enforcement or court-ordered disclosures. The bill is pending in the Senate Judiciary Committee as of January 2026.
This bill, the "Ease of Doing Government Business Act," requires all New Jersey state and local government entities that provide public services (like issuing licenses, permits, or certifications) to simplify and speed up their processes. Within 180 days of enactment, these entities must review their operations to eliminate redundancies, reduce wait times, and increase efficiency, with annual reviews mandated thereafter. The law also mandates implementing user-friendly online tools and automated services using plain language, with options for language preference and a system for public feedback that must be reviewed within 30 days. It directly affects every government office handling public transactions, aiming to make interactions with government more efficient and accessible.
New Jersey's S 1664 establishes a matching grant program for public research universities that receive federal research grants. The bill requires the Commission on Science, Innovation, and Technology to distribute $5 million in state funds to help these universities match federal grants, prioritizing projects aligned with state economic development goals and priority industries. Universities must apply for funding, with selections based on criteria like economic impact potential and student research opportunities. The commission must annually report on grant recipients and the program's effectiveness in advancing economic development.
