Technology in New Jersey

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

A 3959: Establishes Office of Cybersecurity Infrastructure.

This bill establishes the Office of Cybersecurity Infrastructure within New Jersey's Executive Branch, independent of the Department of the Treasury but reporting directly to the Governor. The office will develop state cybersecurity policies for all agencies, create secure technology infrastructure for public-private interactions, and set standards for safely integrating artificial intelligence in public and private institutions. It requires the Chief Officer (appointed by the Governor) to coordinate cybersecurity operations, draft service agreements with agencies, and publish annual reports on operations. The office will directly affect all state agencies, local governments, and organizations interacting with New Jersey's digital services.

Topics ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Artificial Intelligence Cybersecurity Digital Government

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

A 3924: Creates task force to study feasibility of paperless State government.

New Jersey's Bill A 3924 establishes a 15-member task force to study transitioning the state's Executive Branch to a paperless system. The task force, including state officials and appointed experts in technology, cybersecurity, and elections, will examine technology options, cybersecurity needs, cost-benefit analyses, legal changes required, and potential benefits. It must issue an interim report within six months and a final report within one year to the Governor and Legislature, detailing feasibility and recommendations. The bill does not implement paperless systems but creates a process to evaluate them. (This is a procedural study bill, so the summary is concise.)

Topics ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Cybersecurity

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

A 3058: Establishes Deepfake Technology Unit in DLPS; appropriates $2 million.

This bill establishes New Jersey's Deepfake Technology Unit within the Division of Criminal Justice to combat AI-generated deceptive media (deepfakes). The unit will provide law enforcement, prosecutors, and courts with technical expertise, training, and evidence analysis to detect and investigate deepfakes - defined as AI-manipulated videos, audio, or images that falsely depict people or events. It requires the unit to issue annual reports on detection methods, technological advances, and policy recommendations, and appropriates $2 million from the General Fund to cover operational costs. The unit directly supports state and local agencies in addressing a growing threat to public safety and legal integrity.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics State Budget Law Enforcement Artificial Intelligence

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

A 1419: Prohibits acquisition or disclosure of certain personal health information without consent.

This bill prohibits health care providers, mobile app developers, and third parties from collecting or sharing New Jersey residents' personal health data - including biometric information like heart rate, sleep patterns, or menstrual cycles, and health records - without explicit consent. It requires consent before initial collection and within three days before each disclosure, though ongoing consent covers repeated collection if previously authorized. Exceptions apply for medical treatment between health providers. Violations could result in $1,000 penalties per violation, without affecting existing HIPAA protections.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Consumer Data Protection

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

AR 52: Urges President and Congress of United States to restore "net neutrality" in federal law.

New Jersey's Assembly Resolution AR 52 urges Congress and the President to restore net neutrality rules by reversing the 2017 FCC decision that removed regulations preventing internet service providers (ISPs) from slowing speeds, blocking content, or creating paid "fast lanes." It specifically calls for reinstating the 2015 framework where all internet traffic must be treated equally, ensuring no discrimination against websites or applications. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new law but formally requests federal action to enforce these principles. The resolution directly addresses the federal government, not New Jersey residents or ISPs.

Topics ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Broadband Access Telecommunications

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

A 3009: Concerns debarment of contractors for conviction of certain computer-related crimes.

This bill requires vendors working with state data (including computer systems, networks, or databases) to certify they and their subcontractors have no convictions for specific computer-related crimes. It mandates a state registry of disqualified individuals and prohibits contractors from hiring such persons, with violations triggering fines up to $50,000 or three years of ineligibility for public contracts. The law directly affects technology vendors, IT service providers, and subcontractors handling state data. Key mechanisms include mandatory certification, registry checks before contract awards, and penalties for noncompliance.

Topics ✓ Technology

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Feb 5, 2026

S 3363: Establishes pilot program in DOE to provide assistive technology to elementary and middle school students with dyslexia and related conditions.

This bill establishes a three-year pilot program within New Jersey's Department of Education to provide assistive technology tools to elementary and middle school students with dyslexia and related learning conditions. The program will supply devices and services like text-to-speech software, speech-to-text applications, and specialized spelling aids to help students access grade-level curriculum, improve reading fluency, and boost writing confidence. Students do not need formal special education classification to qualify. The Commissioner of Education, working with the Office of Information Technology, will manage the pilot, including assessing student needs, acquiring technology, and providing training for educators.

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Curriculum K-12 Education Special Education

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

A 2638: Provides assistance to business accelerators and incubators and startup businesses located within those business accelerators and incubators.

This bill establishes a program to provide financial assistance and support services - such as low-cost workspace, mentoring, and technical guidance - to early-stage startup businesses focused on advanced technology fields (including biotechnology, information technology, and advanced materials) located within business accelerators or incubators. It directly affects qualifying startups, business accelerators, and incubators by creating a "Startup Businesses in Business Incubators Development Program" administered by New Jersey's Economic Development Authority. Key mechanisms include funding for these facilities through a new grant program and defining eligibility criteria (e.g., startups must be in early development and engaged in specific tech sectors). The program aims to strengthen New Jersey's innovation ecosystem by connecting startups with resources at research institutions and urban transit hubs.

Topics ✓ Technology

Tags Small Business

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

A 210: Establishes "Students with Communication Disabilities' Bill of Rights."

This bill establishes New Jersey's "Students with Communication Disabilities' Bill of Rights," requiring school districts to ensure students with communication disabilities (including speech, hearing, or vision impairments) have full access to education through their preferred communication methods. It mandates schools provide early screening, trained assistants using students' primary communication tools (like sign language, AAC devices, or letter boards), communication plans in IEPs, and full access to all school activities. The bill aligns with federal laws like the ADA and IDEA but specifies concrete school district actions rather than creating new legal rights. It directly affects students with communication disabilities, their families, and public school districts across New Jersey.

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Special Education

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

A 390: Establishes NJ Artificial Intelligence Advisory Council.

This bill establishes the New Jersey Artificial Intelligence Advisory Council to study how state agencies use artificial intelligence and provide recommendations for ethical, safe implementation. The council, composed of the state's Chief Technology Officer, two legislative members (appointed by chamber leaders with party balance), and two public AI experts (appointed by the Governor), will assess AI's benefits and risks, develop guidelines to prevent biased decision-making and protect data privacy, and recommend best practices for state agencies. The council must submit a final report to the Governor and Legislature within one year of its first meeting and then dissolve. This directly affects state agencies that will use the council's guidance for AI procurement and implementation.

Topics ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Artificial Intelligence Data Privacy Emerging Technology

All technology bills