Technology in New Jersey

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 325: Establishes Rural Broadband Infrastructure Grant Program in EDA; appropriates $2.5 million in federal funds.

S 325 establishes a grant program to expand rural broadband access in New Jersey, using $2.5 million in federal funds from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The program, managed by the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, provides grants up to $75,000 per project to qualified organizations (like companies, nonprofits, or local governments) that build or improve broadband infrastructure in "unserved areas" (defined as locations lacking 25 Mbps download/3 Mbps upload speeds). Applicants must contribute 25% private funding and prioritize projects addressing these underserved areas. The bill appropriates federal funds directly into a dedicated grant fund and requires annual reporting on program outcomes.

Topics ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Broadband Access Tags Rural Communities

passed · New Jersey · Senate Mar 23, 2026

SR 18: Urges states in PJM Interconnection region to require data centers to obtain electricity from new zero- or low-emission sources of energy.

SR 18 is a non-binding Senate resolution urging states within the PJM Interconnection region (including New Jersey and 12 other states plus D.C.) to require data centers to source electricity from new zero- or low-emission energy sources. It does not create new regulations but calls on state governments to adopt policies addressing data centers' growing energy demands, which currently consume about 4% of U.S. electricity and are projected to reach 9% by 2030. The resolution cites concerns about grid strain, noting data centers use 10-50x more energy than typical offices and could double demand by 2030. It emphasizes clean energy sources like solar and wind as scalable solutions to support grid reliability and climate goals.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Electric Grid Solar Transmission

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 2860: Establishes Artificial Intelligence Apprenticeship Program and artificial intelligence apprenticeship tax credit program.

This bill establishes a new Artificial Intelligence Apprenticeship Program within New Jersey's Department of Labor to create training opportunities in AI technology, data analytics, and automation. It also creates a tax credit for employers hiring qualified AI apprentices, allowing them to claim up to $5,000 per apprentice (half of wages paid, capped at $5,000) for taxable years beginning in 2026. To qualify, employers must hire unskilled or semi-skilled apprentices for at least 20 weeks in a program meeting state and federal standards, covering roles like generative AI development. The program will partner with AI companies and educational institutions to design training pathways. The tax credit applies to both corporate business tax and gross income tax.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Labor & Employment ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Business Taxes Income Tax Tax Credits Apprenticeships Artificial Intelligence

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 470: Prohibits investment by State of pension and annuity funds in companies engaging in government contracts or business operations infringing on data privacy of individuals for purpose of determining immigration status.

This bill prohibits New Jersey's public pension and annuity funds from investing in companies that collect or manipulate personal data for immigration status verification without a warrant or court order. It directly affects the state's $100+ billion pension funds (covering public employees) and companies providing immigration-related surveillance services. The law requires the State Investment Council to hire a privacy expert to identify such companies and divest all related investments by January 1, 2028, while following fiduciary standards. Annual reports must track divestment progress and identify remaining prohibited holdings.

Topics ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Data Privacy

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 2942: Establishes public-private partnerships to develop artificial intelligence job training.

This bill establishes public-private partnerships to create AI job training programs in New Jersey. It directly affects displaced workers (those losing jobs due to AI) and current workers seeking AI-related skills, aiming to strengthen the state's workforce competitiveness. Key mechanisms include allowing private companies to manage training programs full-time (handling finances and operations) while exempting them from standard procurement rules and prevailing wage requirements. The Department of Labor will review proposals and require an annual progress report from an advisory council, with training deliverable remotely or in-person.

Topics ✗ Labor & Employment ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Apprenticeships Workforce Development Artificial Intelligence

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 847: Expands "Daniel's Law" to prohibit disclosure of personal information of members of NJ Legislature.

S 847 expands New Jersey's "Daniel's Law" to protect the personal information of state legislators and their immediate families. The bill prohibits posting or sharing legislators' home addresses or unpublished phone numbers online, with violations punishable as crimes (third degree for intentional acts, fourth degree for reckless acts). It defines "covered persons" to include active, retired, or former legislators, their family members living with them, and certain public safety workers. The law exempts news media from liability for previously published information and allows disclosure only under court orders or official investigations. This is a procedural measure focused on privacy protections, not substantive policy changes.

Topics ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Data Privacy

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 172: Authorizes use of digital license plates.

This bill (S 172) would allow New Jersey vehicle owners to use digital license plates instead of traditional plates, if they choose. The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) would establish rules for these devices, requiring them to always display the vehicle's registration number and limiting personal data stored to what's necessary. Owners would pay no extra fee beyond standard registration costs, and the use of digital plates would remain optional. The bill also requires the MVC to set standards for privacy, security, and device approval before implementation.

Topics ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Data Privacy

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 2905: Requires high schools to offer computer science course.

This bill requires all New Jersey high schools serving grades 9-12 to offer at least one computer science course starting in the 2022-2023 school year. The course must cover computing principles, hardware/software design, and technology's societal impact, as defined in the bill. Schools must provide high-quality courses in flexible formats - including traditional classrooms, online, or blended learning - to accommodate all students. It directly affects public high school students and district boards of education across New Jersey.

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics K-12 Education

died · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 2185: Establishes New Jersey Innovation Authority.

S 2185 establishes the New Jersey Innovation Authority, a new state agency within the Department of the Treasury focused on modernizing government technology. The Authority will be governed by a 13-member board (including four state officials and nine public members appointed by the Governor with tech expertise) and will develop digital solutions to improve public services. It can hire staff without civil service restrictions and must undergo a 10-day Governor review period before implementing decisions. This bill directly affects state agencies seeking to streamline services and benefits the public through more efficient digital government interactions.

Topics ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Digital Government

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 2602: "New Jersey Disclosure and Accountability Transparency Act (NJ DaTA)"; establishes certain requirements for disclosure and processing of personally identifiable information; establishes Office of Data Protection and Responsible Use in Division of Consumer Affairs.

S 2602, the New Jersey Disclosure and Accountability Transparency Act (NJ DaTA), would require businesses collecting personal data from New Jersey residents to obtain explicit opt-in consent before processing it. The law sets strict rules limiting data collection to specific purposes, mandating security measures, and requiring transparency about how data is used. It creates a new Office of Data Protection within the Division of Consumer Affairs to enforce these requirements. The bill is currently pending in the Senate Commerce Committee as of its January 2026 introduction.

Topics ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Consumer Data Protection Data Privacy

All technology bills