Technology in New Jersey

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 1633: Requires State blanks, forms, documents, and applications to incorporate new standards for collection of information about sex, gender, gender identity, and sexual orientation.

New Jersey's S 1633 requires all state agencies to update public forms, applications, and documents to collect optional demographic data on sex, gender identity, gender, and sexual orientation. The bill mandates that these questions be clearly marked as voluntary, use sensitive language that accommodates non-binary identities, and avoid conflating sex with gender. Individuals (or their parents/guardians for minors) retain full control over whether to provide this information, with no state employee or third party allowed to deny services based on non-disclosure. This applies to all state forms currently used for official business, aiming to modernize data collection practices that previously lacked inclusivity for LGBTQ+ individuals.

Topics ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Data Privacy

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 997: Allows law enforcement officers to receive one-time emergency alerts on personal wireless communication devices.

This bill allows New Jersey law enforcement officers to voluntarily receive one-time emergency alerts on their personal cell phones or laptops during public safety threats. The alerts - defined as messages about emergencies endangering public health or safety - must be stored externally (not on the device) and expire automatically, with no access permitted afterward. Crucially, the alert content cannot be used as evidence in court or considered a public record under New Jersey's Open Public Records Act.

Topics ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Telecommunications Tags Public Safety

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 321: Prohibits government entities from procuring and using technology products and services from companies owned by, controlled by, or domiciled in certain foreign countries.

New Jersey's S 321 prohibits state agencies, local governments, and political subdivisions from purchasing or using information technology products or services from companies owned, controlled, or based in foreign countries identified as significant cybersecurity threats by U.S. or New Jersey government agencies. The bill relies on threat designations from entities like the U.S. Director of National Intelligence, Homeland Security, and New Jersey's Office of Homeland Security. It requires government entities to avoid technology from these specified countries to address cyber espionage risks. The law takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Topics ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Cybersecurity

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Feb 5, 2026

S 192: Establishes certain protections for drivers and holders of non-driver identification cards diagnosed with certain disabilities.*

This bill allows individuals with traumatic or acquired brain injuries to voluntarily add a notation to their New Jersey driver's license, ID card, and the Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) registry. It creates a secure registry where users can provide emergency contact information and vehicle details to help law enforcement communicate more effectively during traffic stops. The registry is accessible only to law enforcement during vehicle-related interactions, and users can remove or update their information at any time. The bill also requires training for officers on interacting with people who have brain injuries, ensuring the system prioritizes safety and clear communication without compromising privacy.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Technology ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Driver Licensing

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 861: Establishes certain requirements for social media websites concerning content moderation practices; establishes cause of action against social media websites for violation of content moderation practices.

This New Jersey bill requires large social media platforms (defined as those with at least $100 million in annual revenue and 100 million global monthly users) to publicly explain their content moderation rules and apply them consistently. It mandates that platforms notify users before removing content or imposing long-term account bans, provide data on how many people viewed a user's posts, and allow users to opt out of algorithm-driven content sorting. The bill also prohibits platforms from using algorithms to censor or ban candidates for public office during election periods and protects news organizations from content-based censorship. Violations would allow affected users or entities to pursue legal action under New Jersey's consumer fraud law.

Topics ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Artificial Intelligence Social Media

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 1882: Requires State Board of Education meetings to be accessible virtually and in person.

This bill requires all public meetings of New Jersey's State Board of Education to be accessible both in person and virtually. It mandates that the Board provide a publicly available virtual meeting link on its website and allows members of the public to submit comments remotely during sessions that accept public input. The law directly affects the State Board of Education in how it conducts meetings and the public who attend or comment on education policy discussions. These changes ensure broader public participation by removing physical attendance barriers for meetings about education policy.

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Technology

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 996: Prohibits soliciting or phishing for personal identifying information.

New Jersey's S 996 makes it a misdemeanor to trick people into sharing personal details like Social Security numbers, credit card info, or biometric data for identity theft. The bill prohibits soliciting or requesting such information with the intent to steal identities, defraud, or harm others. It uses a broad definition of "personal identifying information" covering names, addresses, account numbers, and unique identifiers like fingerprints. Violations carry penalties of up to six months in jail, a $1,000 fine, or both. The law directly targets scammers and fraudsters attempting to exploit personal data.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Corrections Consumer Data Protection Data Privacy

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 1556: Requires account numbers to be truncated on certain sales receipts.

This bill requires retailers in New Jersey to truncate credit and debit card account numbers on all electronic sales receipts - showing only the last five digits instead of the full number. It applies to both receipts given to customers and copies kept by merchants, extending existing rules (which previously covered only credit cards) to include debit cards. Violations carry a civil penalty of up to $1,000, enforceable through summary proceedings. The law aims to protect consumer financial data by limiting exposure of card numbers on receipts.

Topics ✓ Technology

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 3122: Establishes "New Jersey STEM Scholars Grant Pilot Program" in Department of Education.

This bill establishes a four-year "New Jersey STEM Scholars Grant Pilot Program" to provide competitive grants to school districts for enhancing science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education. Grants would support three specific program types: project-based learning (student-driven STEM projects), after-school STEM activities (like clubs and workshops), and out-of-school STEM experiences (non-classroom learning). School districts applying must demonstrate how funds will supplement existing STEM programs (not replace them), include student recruitment plans, and detail program sustainability beyond the grant period. The program would be funded through state appropriations, private donations, and federal STEM-related funds, managed via a dedicated "STEM Scholars Grant Fund" within the Department of Education.

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Technology

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 971: Upgrades crime of stalking when stalking activity is carried out or assisted by installation or use of communication or location monitoring program or device on cellular phone or wireless mobile device.

This bill (S 971) upgrades stalking charges when perpetrators use monitoring devices or apps on a victim’s phone to track location or intercept communications. It directly affects victims of stalking and stalkers who misuse technology like location trackers or communication-monitoring apps installed on the victim’s device. The key change makes such stalking a third-degree crime (up to 5 years in prison) instead of a fourth-degree crime (up to 18 months), applying when the stalking involves accessing the victim’s phone data or location through installed programs or devices. The law targets common tools like pre-installed apps or downloadable trackers, not general phone use.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Corrections Domestic Violence Telecommunications

All technology bills