Technology in New Jersey

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 2549: Prohibits State from disclosing New Jersey driver's license holders' personal information to other states seeking to issue speed camera or red light camera citations.

This bill (S 2549) prohibits New Jersey from sharing driver license holders' personal information - such as names, addresses, license numbers, or photos - with other states or interstate data networks. It specifically blocks disclosure when another state seeks to issue fines for violations captured by speed cameras or red light cameras (traffic control signal monitoring systems) in that state. The bill defines key terms like "personal information" and "speed control device" to clarify its scope. If passed, it would prevent New Jersey from enabling out-of-state ticketing for camera-detected traffic violations by withholding driver data. The bill is currently pending in the Senate Transportation Committee.

Topics ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Data Privacy

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 103: Establishes new offenses concerning unlawful possession and use of credit card scanners.

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.

Topics ✗ Criminal Justice ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Corrections Drug Policy

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 2933: Restricts genetic testing of newborn and crime victim DNA; permits DNA information to be obtained pursuant to warrant or court order.

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.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Courts Law Enforcement Victims' Rights

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 1299: "Fusion Technology Industry Promotion Act"; establishes program to promote fusion technology industry and attract fusion technology businesses.

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.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Technology

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 2305: Requires vehicle manufacturers to provide real-time access to motor vehicle data to vehicle owners and representatives.

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.

Topics ✓ Technology ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Consumer Data Protection

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 2040: Establishes penalties for use of unmanned aircraft in furtherance of commission of criminal offense; requires forfeiture of device upon conviction.

This bill (S 2040) creates new criminal penalties for operating drones (unmanned aircraft systems) to assist in committing other offenses. It makes it a crime to use a drone to further a petty disorderly persons offense (4th degree) or any other crime (graded one level higher than the underlying offense). Key provisions include penalties for drones interfering with first responders, operating near correctional facilities without permission, taking wildlife, or violating restraining orders. Upon conviction, the drone, controller, or associated digital device must be forfeited to law enforcement. The bill directly affects anyone using drones to commit or aid in crimes, with specific penalties based on the type of offense involved.

Topics ✗ Technology

Sub-Topics Emerging Technology

passed · New Jersey · Senate Jun 30, 2026

S 1322: Requires consumer reporting agencies to provide a consumer with a free credit report three times during any 12-month period upon request.

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.

Topics ✓ Technology

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 2077: Establishes pilot project to permit voters in military service on active duty overseas, and their eligible family members, to vote in certain elections using the Internet; makes appropriation.

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.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Appropriations State Budget

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 389: Makes publishing on Internet home address or unpublished telephone number of judges, prosecutors and certain court personnel a crime of the fourth degree under certain circumstances.

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.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Corrections Courts Law Enforcement

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 1159: Prohibits deepfake pornography and imposes criminal and civil penalties for non-consensual disclosure.

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.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Courts Law Enforcement Artificial Intelligence

All technology bills