Technology in New Jersey

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

AR 101: Urges generative artificial intelligence and content sharing platforms to make voluntary commitments to prevent and remove harmful content.

AR 101 is a non-binding resolution urging major generative AI and social media platforms to voluntarily commit to preventing and removing deepfakes (manipulated videos/images falsely depicting people) and cheapfakes (AI-altered content). It targets companies that host or distribute such content, asking them to proactively address harms like disinformation, blackmail, and reputational damage. The resolution does not create new legal requirements but encourages industry action, aligning with similar efforts by the federal government and 12 other states. It was introduced to the Assembly Science, Innovation and Technology Committee on January 13, 2026.

Topics ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Artificial Intelligence Consumer Data Protection Social Media

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

A 3326: Makes use of algorithmic systems to influence price and supply of residential rental units unlawful.

This bill prohibits landlords and property management software companies from using algorithmic systems to coordinate rental prices across multiple properties. It defines a "coordinator" as any entity operating software that collects price data from multiple landlords, analyzes it with algorithms, and recommends rental rates or occupancy levels. The law makes it unlawful for landlords to subscribe to such services or for coordinators to facilitate price-fixing agreements that reduce competition. The bill addresses New Jersey's affordable housing crisis, where median rents for three-bedroom apartments rose 35% from 2021-2024 and over half of renters spend more than 30% of income on rent.

Topics ✓ Housing ✗ Technology

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Renters Tenant Rights

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

A 2708: Establishes "Next Gen STEM Support Act" to provide financial assistance for innovative STEM programs.

The Next Gen STEM Support Act establishes a state grant program to provide public schools in New Jersey with funding for STEM coursework, resources, and extracurricular activities. Public schools applying for grants must detail current STEM offerings, student participation, and resource needs, with funds limited to expanding existing or new STEM programs (capping professional training for educators at one-third of each grant). The program requires annual reports on fund usage and impact, allocates grants based on commissioner-developed criteria within a $100,000 annual budget cap, and prioritizes geographic and demographic diversity in school selection. This directly affects public schools seeking to enhance science, technology, engineering, and math education through state-funded support.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Education ✓ Technology

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

A 1163: Expands definition and qualifications of online newspaper for required public advertisements.

This bill expands New Jersey's definition of qualifying newspapers to include online publications for government notices. It requires digital newspapers seeking to publish official notices (like bids or public announcements) to meet three specific criteria: demonstrate audience service in the relevant area, provide email newsletters containing notices, and offer notices in Spanish plus one other prominent regional language. The bill directly affects online news outlets that want to replace print publications for government advertising, while keeping existing print newspaper requirements unchanged. These changes apply to all state and local government agencies publishing legal notices.

Topics ✓ Technology

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Feb 19, 2026

S 3611: Directs planning boards to submit certain data center development plans to BPU and State Planning Commission and requires State Planning Commission approval for data center development under MLUL; excludes data centers from economic development subsidies.

S 3611 would require local planning boards to submit data center development plans to the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) and the State Planning Commission. It mandates that the State Planning Commission must approve data center projects under New Jersey's Municipal Land Use Law (MLUL). The bill also explicitly excludes data centers from receiving state economic development subsidies. These changes would directly affect data center developers and alter local planning procedures for such projects in New Jersey.

Topics ✗ Budget & Taxes ✗ Technology

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

A 3072: Establishes Artificial Intelligence Grant Program in Office of Secretary of Higher Education.

This bill establishes a grant program within New Jersey's Office of the Secretary of Higher Education to fund nonprofit organizations providing artificial intelligence education and training. Nonprofits must apply and demonstrate comprehensive AI programs, with grants awarded based on criteria like hosting ethical AI discussion events, partnering with government agencies, and including diverse board representation. The program will provide up to four annual grants of $25,000 each to qualifying nonprofits, requiring them to report on fund usage and impact to state officials. Funds will come from a newly created "Artificial Intelligence Education Fund" funded annually by the state. The bill directly affects nonprofits delivering AI education, not individuals or businesses.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Education ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Artificial Intelligence

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

A 2455: Requires ballot scanning machines to have privacy screen, shield, or curtain; requires use of privacy screens and shields at polling places.

This bill requires ballot scanning machines (used in counties that count hand-marked paper ballots) to include a privacy screen, shield, or curtain to protect voter secrecy when inserting ballots. It also mandates that all voting booths in polling places must have privacy screens, shields, or curtains, ensuring voters can prepare ballots privately without observation. These changes apply statewide to all counties using ballot scanning machines and update existing election laws to standardize privacy protections. The bill aims to maintain consistent ballot secrecy across New Jersey, regardless of voting system or location.

Topics ✓ Technology

Tags Elections

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

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

A 1459: Expands EDA small business loan program to include certain broadband telecommunications service providers.

This bill expands New Jersey's existing small business loan program to include certified rural broadband telecommunications service providers as eligible borrowers. It defines "broadband telecommunications service provider" as entities certified by the Board of Public Utilities to offer high-speed internet (25 Mbps download/3 Mbps upload) in rural areas (population ≤30,000 and ≤4,000 people/sq. mile). The program will allow these providers to access loans for capital purchases, employee training, and new positions - similar to other eligible businesses like farmers and dairy operations. The change modifies the eligibility definition in existing law without creating a new program.

Topics ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Broadband Access Telecommunications Tags Rural Communities

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

A 1551: Requires BPU to study potential deployment of advanced transmission technologies in NJ.

New Jersey's bill A1551 requires the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to study advanced transmission technologies (ATT) that can improve existing power grid infrastructure without building new lines. These technologies include smart grid software, high-performance conductors, and systems that reduce congestion, increase capacity, and boost efficiency - potentially cutting costs and speeding up project timelines compared to traditional transmission builds. The BPU must evaluate ATT's benefits for safely meeting rising energy demand (driven by data centers, manufacturing, and population growth), assess state policies that have successfully adopted similar technologies, and hold public meetings to gather input. The study must be completed within one year, with findings reported to the Governor and Legislature to inform future grid planning.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Electric Grid Transmission

All technology bills