Technology

S 352, the "Human Trafficking and Child Exploitation Prevention Act," requires manufacturers and sellers of Internet-connected devices (like tablets or smart TVs) to include digital blocking technology that automatically restricts access to obscene material, child pornography, revenge pornography, and websites linked to human trafficking or prostitution. For devices sold to minors, the blocking must be active by default; adults can deactivate it by paying a $20 fee, and companies may pay a $20 opt-out fee per device instead. Companies must also establish a reporting system for users to flag wrongly blocked or unblocked content and fix such issues within five business days. Fees collected from consumers or companies will fund the state’s Commission on Human Trafficking, with violations punishable by fines up to $20,000 per offense.

This bill prohibits public and private entities in New Jersey from collecting, retaining, or sharing biometric data (such as facial scans, fingerprints, or voice recordings) without specific notice. It requires entities to post clear, plain-language notices at all entry points if they use biometric systems for identification. Violations carry civil penalties of $5,000 for a first offense and $10,000 for repeat offenses, with repeated violations (five or more in 30 days) classified as a fourth-degree crime punishable by up to 18 months in prison or a $10,000 fine. The law applies broadly to both government agencies and businesses, defining biometric systems as those using unique physical traits for identification.

S 554 would amend New Jersey's public records law to prevent government agencies from releasing personal identifying information of violent crime victims and witnesses. The bill specifically prohibits disclosure of details like home addresses, phone numbers, Social Security numbers, email addresses, and social media handles in public records. This change directly affects victims and witnesses by keeping their sensitive information confidential, reducing risks of retaliation or harassment. The law applies to all state and local government records under the existing open records framework.

New Jersey's Senate Resolution 26 condemns the federal government's 2025 policy of sharing private taxpayer information with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for immigration enforcement. It specifically criticizes a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Treasury Department and Homeland Security that the IRS's own attorneys warned likely violates federal privacy laws requiring tax data confidentiality. The resolution demands the federal government immediately reverse this policy to protect taxpayer privacy and prevent errors like mistaken deportations. It also notes that New Jersey's immigrant community contributed $1.3 billion in state and local taxes in 2022, emphasizing that sharing tax data could deter immigrants from filing taxes.

New Jersey's S 1030 prohibits telemarketers from intentionally manipulating caller identification services to display false phone numbers or names. It directly affects telemarketers who use deceptive caller ID practices and protects New Jersey residents from unsolicited, misleading calls. The bill creates a "disorderly persons offense" for this specific deception, making it punishable under state law. Key provisions define "caller identification service" and clarify that the law does not restrict legally protected telemarketing activity or charitable calls. The bill amends existing law (P.L.2003, c.76) to address deceptive practices that disrupt privacy and home life.

This bill establishes the "Innovation Partnership" program, administered by New Jersey's Commission on Science, Innovation and Technology, to fund nonprofit organizations supporting emerging technology businesses. It directly affects minority-owned and women-owned tech companies (defined as businesses where 51%+ ownership and control is held by minorities or women) in fields like cybersecurity, biotechnology, renewable energy, and advanced computing. The program provides funding through a dedicated "Fund" to help these businesses develop new technologies, conduct pilot manufacturing, and commercialize innovations. Nonprofit "Innovation Partners" certified by the commission will identify and support qualifying businesses, aiming to strengthen New Jersey's tech ecosystem.