Technology in New Jersey

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Feb 24, 2026

S 3702: Restricts use of certain artificial intelligence generated communications in election campaigns.

This New Jersey bill (S 3702) restricts AI-generated content in election campaigns. It bans publishing AI-created campaign materials (like ads, social media posts, or phone messages) within 90 days of an election, requires clear labeling of all AI-generated content with "Artificial intelligence was used in creating this message," and prohibits deceptive AI content falsely portraying opponents. The law applies to campaigns, political committees, and individuals funding election communications. Violations are punishable as a fourth-degree crime, carrying up to 18 months in jail or a $10,000 fine.

Topics ✗ Technology

Sub-Topics Artificial Intelligence Social Media

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

A 2768: Establishes Office of Permitting and Broadband Deployment and Development Efficiency in Department of State and establishes NJ Permit Fast Track Program; appropriates $2 million.

This bill (A-2768) creates the Office of Permitting and Broadband Deployment Efficiency within New Jersey’s Department of State to streamline permitting for development projects. It establishes the "New Jersey Permit Fast Track Program" to expedite permits for qualifying critical infrastructure and economic development projects, appropriating $2 million for implementation. The office will regulate utility pole access (setting 30-day dispute resolution), publish a statewide permit list, and recommend efficiency improvements. It directly affects project developers seeking permits and state/local permitting authorities by standardizing processes and reducing delays. The program requires applications detailing project scope and permit status, with eligibility determined by the Department of State.

Topics ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Broadband Access

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

AR 36: Establishes Assembly Select Committee on COVID-19 Contact Tracing Data Privacy.

This resolution establishes the Assembly Select Committee on COVID-19 Contact Tracing Data Privacy to examine how personal data collected through contact tracing during the pandemic is handled. The committee, made up of nine Assembly members (five appointed by the Speaker, four by the Minority Leader), will study data collection, storage, usage, and privacy safeguards to balance public health needs with individual privacy rights. It must submit findings and recommendations within 60 days of organizing, with the resolution ending 30 days after the report is delivered. The committee’s work will inform potential future policies on protecting contact tracing data privacy.

Topics ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Consumer Data Protection Data Privacy Tags Privacy

signed · New Jersey · Senate Aug 11, 2026

S 3412: Requires Social Media Research Center to research and make recommendations concerning addictive social media behaviors.*

S 3412 would require certain social media platforms in New Jersey to display a black box warning about mental health risks to users, similar to health warnings on tobacco products. The bill targets platforms primarily designed for social connection (like Facebook or TikTok) that have users in New Jersey, excluding services focused on news, entertainment, or e-commerce. This requirement is based on findings that youth social media use exceeding three hours daily doubles risks of depression and anxiety, and platforms are aware of these harms. The warning must be displayed on platforms meeting the bill's definition of "covered social media platforms," affecting all users of those services in the state.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Mental Health Social Media

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Feb 24, 2026

S 3639: Requires BPU, DCA, and DEP to establish expedited approval and permitting procedures for artificial intelligence data centers powered by small modular nuclear reactors.

This bill requires New Jersey's Board of Public Utilities (BPU), Department of Community Affairs (DCA), and Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to create streamlined permitting processes for AI data centers powered by on-site small modular reactors (SMRs) within 12 months. It mandates expedited approvals for site selection, construction plans, electrical interconnection, and environmental permits (including wetlands, coastal, and water protection acts). The law directly affects AI data center developers and SMR manufacturers seeking to build or retrofit facilities using SMRs (defined as 50-300 MWe reactors requiring U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission licensing). The policy change focuses on accelerating project timelines without altering safety or environmental standards.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Nuclear Transmission Artificial Intelligence

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

A 2594: Imposes certain requirements on use of automated license plate readers by law enforcement agencies.

This bill requires New Jersey law enforcement agencies to follow strict rules when using automated license plate readers (ALPRs). It prohibits unauthorized access or use of ALPR data (a disorderly persons offense punishable by up to 6 months in jail or a $1,000 fine) and mandates annual audits to ensure ALPRs are used only for legitimate law enforcement purposes. Agencies must submit detailed annual reports to the Attorney General covering device counts, data readings, storage, data requests (including out-of-state/federal), and security breaches. Finally, it sets a two-year mandatory retention period for ALPR data (with limited early purging allowed for cost reasons) and requires date stamps on transferred data to maintain compliance.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Corrections Law Enforcement

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

A 759: Requires AG to study law enforcement use of facial recognition technology and issue report with recommendations for Statewide policy.

This bill requires New Jersey's Attorney General to study how law enforcement agencies currently use facial recognition technology and issue a report with recommendations for statewide policy within six months. The report must assess the technology's accuracy, summarize existing law enforcement usage (including for police reports), and propose guidelines for its future use. It applies to all state and local police departments. The study does not create new laws but aims to inform potential future policy decisions.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Policing Emerging Technology

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

A 2299: Prohibits use and sale of algorithmic devices for setting rent price or occupancy of residential dwelling units.

This bill prohibits landlords and software sellers from using or providing algorithmic devices that set, recommend, or advise on rents or occupancy rates for residential properties in New Jersey. It directly affects landlords (including large corporate owners) and companies that develop or sell such software, banning tools that analyze non-public competitor data to influence pricing. The law defines "algorithmic device" to exclude software using public data or affordable housing program guidelines, ensuring it doesn’t restrict standard rent-setting practices. Violations carry civil penalties up to $1,000 per violation, with the Attorney General able to seek damages or injunctions.

Topics ✓ Housing ✗ Technology

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Landlords Renters

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

A 1162: Establishes annual sales tax holiday for certain retail sales of computers, school computer supplies, school supplies, school art supplies, and school instructional materials.

This bill establishes an annual two-month sales tax holiday in New Jersey, running from August 1 to September 30 each year. During this period, individual shoppers (not businesses) can purchase certain items tax-free, including computers under $3,000, school computer supplies under $1,000, and defined school supplies (like pens and notebooks), school art supplies (paints and clay), and school instructional materials (textbooks and reference books). The exemption applies only to non-business purchases made by consumers for personal educational use. The bill requires the state tax authority to implement the holiday with minimal administrative changes, effective 60 days after enactment.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Education ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Sales Tax Curriculum

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Feb 12, 2026

S 3464: Requires State to use at least half of future federal "Help America Vote Act" funds for voting systems with paper record.

This bill requires New Jersey to allocate at least half of future federal funds received under the Help America Vote Act (HAVA) for 15 years toward replacing voting machines with systems that create a paper record of each vote. It directly affects the State Treasurer, who must manage these funds per the new requirement. The key provision mandates that 50% of HAVA funds - used for election modernization - must go specifically to paper-based voting systems, ensuring a physical backup for every ballot cast.

Topics ✓ Technology

All technology bills