Technology (Cybersecurity) in New Jersey

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jun 15, 2026

A 5258: Authorizes use of campaign funds for security expenses of candidate and immediate family.

This bill allows candidates and officeholders in New Jersey to use campaign funds to pay for security expenses for themselves, their immediate family members living in the same household, and their staff. It specifically permits spending on items like security cameras, alarms, gates, fencing, professional security personnel, and cybersecurity services, provided these measures address threats unique to holding public office. The legislation explicitly prohibits using these funds to buy firearms, pay family members directly, or make general home improvements that do not serve a security purpose. Additionally, candidates must keep detailed records of such expenditures, though the specific plans and locations of security installations must remain confidential.

Topics ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Cybersecurity

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly May 14, 2026

AJR 184: Establishes "New Jersey Technology Task Force."

This bill creates the New Jersey Technology Task Force to evaluate and recommend upgrades for state computer systems, networks, and hardware across all government agencies. The eleven-member group includes current state officials and public appointees with expertise in technology, cybersecurity, and emergency management, who will meet to assess which improvements are critical versus incremental. Within 180 days of its initial meeting, the task force must submit a report to the Governor and Legislature detailing upgrade recommendations, cost-benefit analyses, and any necessary draft legislation. The bill is designed to improve the efficiency and security of state operations by focusing on computer system interoperability.

Topics ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Cybersecurity

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Mar 12, 2026

S 3880: Requires instruction on cybersecurity in grades nine through 12; requires Office of Secretary of Higher Education to develop cybersecurity model curricula; establishes loan redemption programs for individuals in certain cybersecurity occupations.

This bill requires New Jersey high schools to teach cybersecurity to students in grades nine through twelve, with the state education commissioner creating curriculum guidelines that cover basic computer skills, internet safety, and career pathways. It also directs the Office of the Secretary of Higher Education to develop model curricula for four-year universities and county colleges to help them design cybersecurity degree programs that meet accreditation standards. Additionally, the bill establishes loan redemption programs for individuals working in specific cybersecurity occupations, though the exact terms of these financial incentives are not detailed in the text provided. The legislation aims to build a pipeline of skilled cybersecurity professionals by integrating education from high school through higher education.

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Career & Technical Education Curriculum K-12 Education Cybersecurity Online Safety

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Mar 10, 2026

SJR 107: Establishes "New Jersey Cybersecurity Task Force."

This bill establishes the New Jersey Cybersecurity Task Force to evaluate and recommend strategies for addressing cybersecurity threats facing residents and businesses in the state. The task force will consist of 11 members, including state officials such as the Attorney General and legislative leaders, along with five public members appointed by the Governor from various professional and community organizations. The group will focus on identifying vulnerabilities, preventing cyber breaches, and developing recovery procedures, and must submit its findings to the Governor and Legislature within one year before the task force expires.

Topics ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Cybersecurity

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Mar 12, 2026

S 3878: Establishes cybersecurity employment grant program for qualified businesses; appropriates $750,000.

This New Jersey bill creates a grant program to help small to mid-sized businesses hire cybersecurity specialists by providing funding to cover one year of startup salary costs. The program, administered by the Department of Labor and Workforce Development, is designed for businesses with fewer than 500 employees that operate primarily within the state. Companies must apply through a formal process and agree to pay at least the state's mean wage for cybersecurity positions while submitting quarterly reports to verify hiring and spending. The legislation appropriates $750,000 in initial funding and allows the department to seek additional public or private contributions to support the program.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Workforce Development Cybersecurity

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 1297: Requires instruction on cybersecurity in grades nine through 12; requires Office of Secretary of Higher Education to develop cybersecurity model curricula; establishes loan redemption programs for individuals in certain cybersecurity occupations.

This bill requires New Jersey public school districts to incorporate cybersecurity education into grades 9-12 curricula, based on state-developed guidelines covering topics like internet safety, computer fundamentals, and career pathways. It also mandates the Office of the Secretary of Higher Education to create model cybersecurity curricula for four-year colleges and community colleges to support degree programs. Additionally, the bill establishes a loan redemption program to help repay student loans for individuals working in approved cybersecurity occupations after completing qualifying degrees. These provisions directly affect K-12 schools, higher education institutions, students, and cybersecurity professionals in New Jersey.

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Career & Technical Education Cybersecurity Online Safety

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 2024: Requires each government entity in this State to conduct review of cybersecurity infrastructure and make recommendations.

This bill requires all New Jersey government entities - including municipalities, counties, school districts, and state agencies - to review their cybersecurity systems and submit recommendations. Each entity must evaluate current security, identify high-risk issues, propose improvements for computer systems/networks, and suggest policy changes. They must report findings to the Governor and Legislature within 45 days of the bill's effective date. The bill does not create new cybersecurity standards but mandates a systematic review process across all public entities.

Topics ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Cybersecurity

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Feb 19, 2026

A 4253: Requires MVC to establish centralized license plate search system.

This bill requires New Jersey's Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) to create a centralized online system allowing vehicle owners to view and pay for outstanding parking or traffic violations using their license plate number. The system must let users check unpaid tickets and pay fines electronically, while meeting strict cybersecurity standards to protect user data through encryption. It directly affects all New Jersey drivers who own vehicles registered in the state. The MVC must establish this system within seven months of the bill's enactment, with implementation coordinated with courts.

Topics ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Cybersecurity

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 711: Requires public institution of higher education to establish plans concerning cyber security and prevention of cyber attacks.

New Jersey bill A 711 requires public colleges and universities to create and maintain cyber security plans to protect student and staff data. The plans must cover monitoring for threats, assessing risks, preventing breaches, and responding to incidents. Institutions must regularly update these plans and consult with the state’s Cybersecurity Center for best practices. The bill defines a "cyber attack" as unauthorized access to personal information (like Social Security numbers or financial data) without proper security, but excludes phishing attempts and legitimate employee data use. It also mandates reporting actual cyber attacks to the state office while clarifying what does not count as an attack.

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Cybersecurity Data Privacy

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Mar 16, 2026

A 1368: Requires certain State employees to receive training in cybersecurity best practices.

Bill A 1368 requires all New Jersey State employees with access to state agency computers - including legislators and executive branch staff - to complete annual cybersecurity training. The training, developed by the New Jersey Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Cell (NJCCIC), covers practical skills like updating passwords, detecting phishing scams, preventing ransomware, and responding to data breaches. The Director of Homeland Security must create implementation guidelines for the program. The law takes effect immediately upon passage.

Topics ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Cybersecurity

All technology bills