This bill increases tax credits for investors in New Jersey's emerging technology businesses. It raises the base credit rate from 20% to 30% of eligible investments, and boosts the enhanced rate from 25% to 35% for investments in qualified opportunity zones, low-income communities, or businesses certified as minority/women-owned. The credit is capped at $500,000 per investment annually, with a total annual limit of $35 million across all credits. The New Jersey Economic Development Authority will administer the program, requiring applicants to demonstrate compliance with diversity or location criteria for the higher credit rate.
This New Jersey Senate Resolution (SR 71) urges Congress and the President to enact the federal "Kids Online Safety Act." It does not create new laws but formally requests federal action to address social media's impact on minors. The resolution cites research linking social media use to rising mental health issues among children (ages 8-17), noting increased screen time and documented mental health risks. It specifically calls for the federal act to promote data safety, limit addictive design features, expand parental controls, and prevent harmful content for minors. As a non-binding resolution, it directly affects federal lawmakers but does not change current policy.
This New Jersey bill increases tax credits for corporations conducting research. It raises the credit rate from 10% to 15% for businesses primarily operating in targeted industries like clean energy, life sciences, and advanced technology. It also increases the basic research payment credit rate to 15% and allows the total credit to be refundable (meaning businesses can receive cash payments even if they owe no tax). The law applies to corporations in industries identified by the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, including innovation-focused sectors such as autonomous vehicles, hemp processing, and digital media.
Bill A2466 allocates $200 million to New Jersey's Department of Labor and Workforce Development to upgrade technology for the unemployment insurance (UI) system. The funds will be used to modernize the Division of Unemployment Insurance's infrastructure, which faced significant strain during the pandemic-era surge in claims. If federal pandemic relief funds are unavailable, the state will use money from its "Debt Defeasance and Prevention Fund" instead. The department must submit an implementation plan to the Legislature within 60 days detailing how the funds will improve UI service delivery for residents filing claims.
New Jersey's A1359 prohibits the non-consensual creation and distribution of deepfake pornography. The bill makes it a crime (ranging from third to fourth degree) to secretly record or share deceptive images/videos falsely depicting someone in intimate situations without consent, including deepfakes that mimic real people. It specifically targets "deceptive audio or visual media" created through technical means, imposing criminal penalties and a civil fine up to $30,000 for violations. This law directly affects individuals who produce or share such content without consent, aiming to protect people from non-consensual sexual exploitation through technology.
New Jersey's A-3989 prohibits landlords from using or purchasing algorithmic software that sets, recommends, or advises on residential rent prices or occupancy rates. It specifically bans tools analyzing non-public competitor data (like actual rent prices or lease details from other landlords) to coordinate pricing, including AI-based systems. The bill exempts aggregated rental reports published by trade associations and tools used for government affordable housing programs. Violations trigger penalties under New Jersey's Antitrust Act, such as fines up to $500 per day per unit or criminal charges, and do not restrict landlords from setting rents based on public data or internal management.
This bill requires CATV companies (cable providers) to provide free broadband Internet service, including necessary equipment like routers, to public libraries, fire stations, police stations, public schools, and other municipal buildings used for public purposes. It directly affects CATV companies operating under system-wide franchises in New Jersey, mandating this service without charge as part of their franchise applications or renewals. Key provisions include requiring business-class bandwidth for public libraries proportional to their needs, while other covered buildings receive basic service. The requirement applies only to buildings explicitly listed in the bill and is tied to new franchise approvals or renewals after the bill's effective date.
This bill requires New Jersey long-term care facilities (like nursing homes) and home/community-based care providers to implement certified electronic health record systems within 270 days, with state grants available to support this transition. It also clarifies that telehealth services provided in long-term care settings must receive reimbursement rates equal to in-person services (with limited exceptions for audio-only visits), ensuring parity for these settings. Additionally, facilities must provide internet, TV, and phone access in every resident room within six months, with funding available to help cover costs. These requirements apply directly to licensed long-term care facilities and home-based providers, aiming to improve care coordination and resident connectivity.
This bill establishes the Office of Permitting and Broadband Deployment and Development Efficiency within New Jersey's Department of State and creates the NJ Permit Fast Track Program. The Office will regulate access to utility poles and rights-of-way, enforce strict timelines for permit processing (30 days for pole disputes, 180 days for others), publish a statewide permit list online, and recommend efficiency improvements to the Governor and Legislature. It directly affects project developers (especially for critical infrastructure or economic development projects), utilities managing poles/conduits, and local governments issuing permits. The bill appropriates $2 million to fund the Office's operations and the Fast Track Program.
This bill (A 2726) requires employers in New Jersey to use bias audits for automated tools that screen job applicants or make employment decisions (like hiring, promotions, or pay). It mandates that sellers of these tools provide annual bias audits evaluating potential discrimination against protected groups (such as race, gender, or disability), and employers must post audit summaries online and notify candidates 10 days before using such tools. The law applies to all employers, including government agencies, and aims to prevent biased outcomes by requiring independent reviews and transparency. The bill is pending before the Assembly Science, Innovation and Technology Committee.
