Technology (Telecommunications · Public Safety)

This bill directs funds from the state's 9-1-1 System and Emergency Response Trust Fund Account to be distributed equally among all New Jersey counties. The money is intended to support the operation, maintenance, and upgrades of local 9-1-1 emergency response systems. Under the proposed changes, counties would receive these funds directly rather than having the money used for broader state-level emergency services or telecommunications projects. The legislation takes effect immediately upon passage.

This bill allows New Jersey law enforcement officers to voluntarily receive one-time emergency alerts on their personal cell phones or laptops during public safety threats. The alerts - defined as messages about emergencies endangering public health or safety - must be stored externally (not on the device) and expire automatically, with no access permitted afterward. Crucially, the alert content cannot be used as evidence in court or considered a public record under New Jersey's Open Public Records Act.