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.
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.
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.
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.
This bill clarifies New Jersey's criminal law around accessing password-protected electronic communications, such as emails stored online. It makes it a crime (fourth degree) to access such communications without knowing the password or having express consent from at least one party, even if the device was left unlogged. For commercial gain or malicious intent, the crime escalates to third degree, carrying harsher penalties (up to 5 years in prison). The law explicitly states that leaving a device unlogged does not create implied consent for others to access the communications.
This bill (S 1826) requires online platforms primarily distributing sexually explicit material (defined as "obscene material" under New Jersey law) to verify users are at least 18 years old before accessing such content. It applies specifically to "sexually oriented online entities" where more than one-third of revenue, user accounts, or content consists of obscene material - such as dedicated adult platforms or sites with significant adult content. The law mandates using approved age verification methods, including New Jersey’s driver’s license system, to confirm users’ age before access. It does not apply to general social media or non-explicit content, focusing solely on platforms meeting the defined threshold for obscene material. The bill is currently pending in the Senate Judiciary Committee.
S 2862 requires New Jersey public school districts to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) education into K-12 curricula, covering basic concepts, foundational skills, and ethical use, with age-appropriate resources provided by the Commissioner of Education. It also mandates all public colleges and universities to offer AI certificate and degree programs, with the Secretary of Higher Education developing model curricula for both four-year institutions and community colleges. The model curricula must meet accreditation standards, include career pathway materials describing AI jobs, and ensure students gain preparation for AI-related careers. This bill directly affects all New Jersey public K-12 schools and higher education institutions, aiming to standardize AI education across the state.
This bill establishes the "New Jersey Responsible AI Advancement and Workforce Protection Act" to create a framework for AI deployment that prioritizes worker protections and community impact. It requires AI infrastructure companies (like large computing facilities) to pay a 5% fee on their revenue into the AI Horizon Fund, which will support worker retraining, clean energy upgrades for AI facilities, and community resilience programs. Employers with 100+ employees must disclose AI-related layoffs (including dates and numbers) and make supplemental contributions to the fund based on affected workers. The bill also mandates environmental assessments for large AI projects and algorithmic impact reviews for high-risk AI systems used in housing, employment, and healthcare.
S 532 amends New Jersey's Open Public Records Act to require government agencies to redact email addresses from public records, just as they currently redact other personal identifiers like phone numbers and social security numbers. This change directly affects constituents who communicate with government officials via email, as their email addresses will now be treated as confidential information. The bill adds "email address" explicitly to the existing list of items that must be removed from public records under the law. This is a procedural update to the law, not a new policy, and applies to all government records maintained by public agencies.
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This New Jersey bill (S 2626) clarifies that consent to being photographed, filmed, or recorded in intimate or sexual situations does not automatically allow sharing or disclosing those images. It requires separate, explicit consent for disclosure - meaning someone can consent to being photographed but still prohibit sharing the photo. The law directly affects individuals whose intimate images are captured without proper consent and those who share such images without separate permission. Key provisions define "disclose" broadly (including online sharing) and specify that consent for taking an image cannot be interpreted as consent for sharing it.
