New Jersey's bill A 768 would allow manufacturers to test self-driving vehicles on public roads under strict conditions. It requires manufacturers to obtain $5 million in insurance, get state agency approval, and prove their technology meets safety standards - including disengagement systems, visual alerts, and 30-second crash data recording. The bill mandates written disclosures to buyers about data collected by the vehicle's sensors and requires testing on private roads or out-of-state roads before public testing. This legislation directly affects autonomous vehicle manufacturers seeking to test in New Jersey, not individual drivers or passengers.
This bill makes it a fourth-degree crime to intentionally tamper with or interfere with someone else's electronic device (including smart home systems, security systems, phones, or cameras) with the purpose of harassing them. It defines "electronic device" broadly to cover any device capable of transmitting or recording information electronically. Violations carry penalties of up to 18 months in jail, a $10,000 fine, or both. The law applies directly to individuals who engage in such interference, not to the devices or systems themselves.
This bill creates a framework for New Jersey's Department of Transportation (DOT) to partner with private companies to collect and share de-identified traffic data. It allows private entities to handle the development and operation of data projects using location information (like vehicle positions within 1,750 feet) and driving conditions, as long as the data cannot be linked to specific individuals. The goal is to provide real-time, accurate information to motorists and the DOT about road closures, weather, and traffic conditions. All projects must comply with state data privacy laws, and private partners are explicitly not considered state agencies.
New Jersey's Bill A 2862 prohibits foreign companies created under the laws of a "foreign adversary" from participating in the construction, maintenance, or control of critical infrastructure within the state. It defines "critical infrastructure" to include communication networks, electric power systems, gas distribution, water pipelines, and related equipment. The bill requires all New Jersey state agencies and political subdivisions to comply with this ban, with existing agreements not being renewed if they conflict with the law. The prohibition applies to foreign governments designated by the U.S. Secretary of Commerce as having engaged in conduct significantly adverse to U.S. national security.
This bill (A1381) proposes to expand New Jersey's cyber-harassment law to make it a more serious offense when an adult (18 or older) harasses a minor online, removing the previous requirement that the offender must impersonate a minor. The key change clarifies that targeting minors online with threats, lewd content, or criminal threats becomes a third-degree crime (with potential 3-5 year prison time), while other cyber-harassment remains a less severe fourth-degree offense. It also requires courts to order minors convicted of cyber-harassment to complete educational programs about online safety, and imposes fines on parents who fail to ensure their minor complies with these court orders. The bill aims to strengthen protections for minors by broadening criminal penalties and adding accountability for both offenders and parents.
This bill requires New Jersey's Economic Development Authority (EDA) to create a free website connecting eligible businesses and organizations with suppliers for their specific needs. It directly affects entities in tech and science sectors like biotechnology, renewable energy, and advanced computing - such as businesses, research facilities, and nonprofits - that can post needs (e.g., equipment, labor, space) and find matching suppliers. The website must also list public and private funding sources, including state/federal grants, to help these entities access resources. The EDA must develop and maintain this tool, prioritizing the needs of these eligible groups. The bill takes effect immediately upon passage.
The "Stop Social Media Censorship Act" (A 530) creates a private legal claim for New Jersey users (18+) of major social media platforms (over 75 million subscribers, publicly accessible, non-affiliated with single religion/politics) whose political or religious speech is deleted, blocked, or algorithmically suppressed. If a platform violates this, users can seek $75,000 minimum statutory damages per incident, plus actual damages, punitive damages, and attorney fees. The law explicitly excludes content involving calls for violence, obscenity, court orders, or minor-user bullying from protected speech. The bill is currently pending before the Assembly Science, Innovation and Technology Committee.
This New Jersey bill prohibits public and private entities from collecting, storing, or sharing biometric data (like facial recognition, fingerprints, or voice patterns) without clear notice. It requires entities to post plain-language signs at all entry points if they use biometric systems, directly affecting businesses, schools, and government agencies that currently use such technology. Violations carry $5,000 fines for first offenses, $10,000 for repeat violations, and repeated offenses (five or more in 30 days) may become criminal charges punishable by fines up to $15,000 or imprisonment. The bill defines "biometric identifier information" as data from systems identifying people via unique physical traits.
This bill requires all New Jersey State employees with access to agency computers - including legislators - to complete annual cybersecurity training focused on practical safety measures. The training, developed by the state's Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Cell (NJCCIC), covers essential topics like updating passwords, identifying phishing scams, preventing ransomware attacks, and responding to data breaches. It applies to every department, board, or commission within the Executive and Legislative Branches of state government. The law takes effect immediately upon enactment.
This bill requires New Jersey hospitals and clinical laboratories to implement cultural competency training for staff collecting patient demographic data on race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and gender identity. It specifically prohibits collecting sexual orientation or gender identity data for patients under 18 unless the minor or their parent/guardian voluntarily provides it for medical treatment only. Hospitals and labs must electronically record these demographics using standardized categories (e.g., "gay/lesbian" for sexual orientation, "transgender male-to-female" for gender identity) and report the data to the state health department for disease surveillance. The bill directly affects healthcare providers in New Jersey who handle patient records, ensuring consistent, sensitive data collection practices while protecting minors' privacy.
