Technology in New Jersey

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 324: Prohibits any foreign company created under laws of foreign adversary from participating in critical infrastructure.

S 324 prohibits New Jersey state agencies and local governments from allowing foreign companies created under the laws of a "foreign adversary" (defined as a government deemed a national security threat by the U.S. Secretary of Commerce) to participate in critical infrastructure projects. The bill specifically blocks these companies from constructing, maintaining, or controlling systems like electric grids, water pipelines, gas distribution, and communication networks. It applies immediately to new agreements but does not affect existing contracts unless they conflict with the law and would otherwise be renewed. This policy aims to prevent potential security risks, such as cyberattacks, by restricting foreign entities with adversarial ties from managing essential public services.

Topics ✓ Technology

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 839: Revises reimbursement payments for providers using telemedicine and telehealth.

New Jersey's S 839 requires health insurers and Medicaid to reimburse telemedicine and telehealth services at the same rate as in-person visits when the services would be covered in person. It ensures providers receive equal payment whether care is delivered remotely or in person, and prohibits insurers from charging higher deductibles, copays, or coinsurance for telehealth visits. The bill also prevents restrictions on where telehealth can occur (as long as care standards are met), allows audio-only calls without video, and mandates coverage for remote patient monitoring. This directly affects healthcare providers, insurers, and Medicaid programs by standardizing telehealth reimbursement across New Jersey.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Medicaid Telehealth

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 1994: 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 (affecting speech, hearing, or vision) receive tailored support. It mandates schools provide early screening, trained assistants using a student's preferred communication method (like sign language or AAC devices), and communication plans in Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). Schools must also guarantee full access to all educational activities - from classrooms to extracurriculars - and ensure parents receive linguistic support. The law aligns with existing federal protections under the ADA and IDEA but codifies specific school district obligations.

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Special Education

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 2327: Regulates use of social care information.

S 2327 regulates how social care information is handled in systems that connect people to support services. It prohibits participating organizations (like healthcare providers, housing agencies, nonprofits, and tech vendors) from selling or sharing social care information stored in "Closed-Loop Referral Systems" (CLRS), which are platforms that track referrals for non-medical needs like housing, food, or transportation. The bill also bans using this information for any purpose beyond its original intent, with violators facing $1,000 civil penalties per violation. This directly affects entities managing CLRS systems across New Jersey.

Topics ✓ Technology

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 2479: Authorizes parent or guardian to place security freeze on child's consumer report.

This New Jersey bill (S 2479) allows parents or legal guardians to place a security freeze on a child's credit report. It directly affects minors under 18 (defined as "protected consumers") by giving their parents/guardians control over their credit information. The key provision requires credit reporting agencies to place a freeze within 5 business days of a written request from a parent/guardian, with agencies creating a new record for the child if none exists. The freeze prevents the agency from sharing the child's credit report without the parent/guardian's permission, though it doesn't stop the agency from notifying third parties that a freeze is active.

Topics ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Consumer Data Protection

in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 11, 2026

S 1677: Establishes fully autonomous vehicle pilot program.*

New Jersey's S 1677 establishes a three-year pilot program enabling autonomous vehicle testers (including manufacturers, universities, and fleet operators) to test self-driving cars on public roads. Testers must register vehicles with the Motor Vehicle Commission, carry $5 million in liability insurance, and ensure licensed operators are seated in the driver's seat monitoring operations. A seven-member task force will oversee safety protocols, handle collision responses, gather public feedback, and coordinate with law enforcement on security guidelines throughout the program.

Topics ✓ Technology ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Autonomous Vehicles

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 2678: Establishes right to record law enforcement activity under certain circumstances.

This bill, the "New Jerseyans’ Right to Monitor Act," grants New Jersey residents the right to record police activities while not under arrest or in custody. It protects individuals who record law enforcement actions from being stopped, threatened, arrested, or having their recording equipment seized solely for recording - unless officers have probable cause to believe the recorder is obstructing police work. Violations allow affected people to sue for damages, attorney fees, and other remedies in court. The law explicitly prohibits physical interference with police but ensures recordings and related equipment remain in the recorder's possession. It applies directly to all New Jersey citizens and law enforcement officers statewide.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Courts Drug Policy Policing

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 2081: Revises penalty provision of law concerning prohibition of certain unsolicited text messages.

S 2081 revises penalties for businesses that send unsolicited text message advertisements without recipient consent, which directly affects companies and marketers sending such messages in New Jersey. It establishes a two-tiered penalty system: $500 for a first violation, $1,000 for a second violation, and escalates to the Consumer Fraud Act (CFA) penalties ($10,000 for a first CFA offense, $20,000 for subsequent offenses) for a third or later violation. The law specifies that a third violation is treated as a first CFA offense, while fourth or additional violations are considered subsequent CFA offenses. These changes aim to strengthen enforcement against repeat violators by applying higher penalties under the CFA for ongoing violations.

Topics ✓ Technology

died · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 450: Criminalizes use of "signal jammers."

S 450 would make it a fourth-degree crime in New Jersey to use signal jammers that block cell phone signals, GPS, or emergency communications. The bill expands existing state law to specifically prohibit interfering with radio communications licensed under federal law (such as cell networks) and using scanning receivers designed to intercept cellular transmissions. This aligns New Jersey's penalties with federal prohibitions (47 U.S.C. §§ 301 and 333), which already ban signal jamming. The law targets devices that disrupt authorized communications, including those used to block emergency services or prevent calls/texts.

Topics ✓ Technology

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 2085: "Fair Repair Act"; concerns repairs to certain consumer electronics.

S 2085, the "Fair Repair Act," requires manufacturers of consumer electronics sold in New Jersey to provide independent repair shops and equipment owners with the same diagnostic tools, repair manuals, and replacement parts they offer to their own authorized repair centers. It mandates that manufacturers sell these materials at "fair and reasonable terms," considering factors like cost, market rates, and affordability for smaller repair businesses. The bill specifically prohibits manufacturers from withholding security-related repair documentation and exempts trade secrets from disclosure requirements. If enacted, this would directly affect electronics manufacturers, independent repair shops, and consumers seeking affordable repair options. The bill is currently pending in the Senate Commerce Committee after its January 2026 introduction.

Topics ✓ Technology

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