Technology in New Jersey

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 938: Prohibits State contractors from distributing data to foreign adversaries.

S 938 prohibits New Jersey state contractors and entities working with state agencies from sharing data with foreign adversaries. It bars these entities from obtaining or renewing state contracts, public works registrations, economic development subsidies, tax benefits, or redevelopment designations if listed by the Department of the Treasury as selling data to foreign adversaries. The law requires contractors to certify compliance before contracts are awarded, with the Treasury creating a public list after notice and comment periods. Violations of certification can trigger civil penalties of up to $1 million or twice the contract value, plus contract termination and a five-year ineligibility period.

Topics ✓ Technology

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 518: Permits patients to indicate that they should not be prescribed opiates and certain other controlled substances in prescription monitoring program information.

This bill (S 518) amends New Jersey's prescription monitoring program to clarify who can access patient prescription data. It updates Section 26 of the existing law to specify that healthcare providers (including pharmacists, medical residents, certified medical assistants, and others) must register to access the system and must delegate access to staff under strict confidentiality rules. The bill does not include provisions allowing patients to indicate preferences about receiving certain prescriptions, as suggested in the title. The actual focus is on defining access protocols for authorized healthcare professionals to review prescription data for patient safety and compliance purposes. The bill was introduced to the Senate Health Committee on January 13, 2026.

Topics ✓ Technology

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 3084: Requires safeguards for anonymity and confidentiality with respect to communications presented through phone lines, electronic communication systems, or websites dedicated to accepting anonymous tips for use by law enforcement in criminal investigations.

This bill requires law enforcement tip systems (like phone lines or websites) to encrypt anonymous communications so tipsters' identities, detailed location data (beyond city/town), and device information remain hidden from police. It prohibits tip system operators and police from requesting identifying details and prohibits making these communications public records or admissible in court - except for cases involving false reports to police. Violating these rules is a fourth-degree crime punishable by up to 18 months in prison or a $10,000 fine, and government employees who disclose identities face civil liability for $25,000 or actual damages plus legal fees. The law aims to protect anonymous informants while ensuring tip-related records remain confidential.

Topics ✓ Technology

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Feb 12, 2026

S 1413: Requires Division of Consumer Affairs to create open data portal and provide certain datasets online.

S 1413 requires New Jersey's Division of Consumer Affairs to create and maintain an online open data portal on its website. The portal must provide public access to specific non-confidential datasets, including license application volumes, processing times, active license counts by county, exam pass rates, and consumer complaint statistics. Key mechanisms include annual updates, the ability to sort data by profession/county, and year-over-year comparisons, while ensuring compliance with open records laws and privacy regulations. This bill directly affects the Division of Consumer Affairs (which must implement the portal) and the public (which gains access to transparency data about licensing and complaints). The portal will not include confidential or non-disclosable information under state or federal law.

Topics ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Consumer Data Protection Tags Data Reporting

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 372: Requires Commission on Human Trafficking to identify methods to prevent human trafficking through online gaming platforms.

This bill requires New Jersey's Commission on Human Trafficking to specifically investigate how human traffickers use online gaming platforms to target victims and develop prevention methods. The commission, a 15-member body including victim advocates and survivors, must research this issue and propose solutions to prevent trafficking through these platforms. This amendment adds a new, explicit duty to the commission's existing responsibilities of evaluating trafficking laws, reviewing victim services, and reporting annually to the governor and legislature.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Human Trafficking

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 2129: Prohibits and imposes criminal penalty on disclosure of certain intentionally deceptive audio or visual media within 90 days of election.

S 2129 prohibits knowingly sharing deceptive audio or video (like deepfakes) within 90 days of an election if intended to mislead voters about candidates or election issues. It makes this a crime (4th degree for first offense, 3rd for repeat), with penalties including fines and jail time. The law allows voters or candidates to seek court orders to stop such sharing and recover damages, but includes key exceptions: news reporting, satire, and minor edits with clear disclaimers (e.g., "This contains manipulated images"). Platforms like social media and news outlets are exempt from liability under federal law (Section 230).

Topics ✗ Technology

Sub-Topics Artificial Intelligence Social Media

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 2783: Expands protections under "Daniel's Law"; requires Office of Information Privacy to establish portal for prohibiting disclosure of personal information by private entities and establishes penalties for failure to comply.

S 2783 expands Daniel's Law protections to cover judicial officers, law enforcement personnel, child protective investigators, state legislators, and their immediate family members living in the same household. It requires New Jersey's Office of Information Privacy to create a portal where these individuals can request private entities (like websites or businesses) to stop publishing their home addresses or unpublished phone numbers online. Private entities must comply within 45 business days or face criminal penalties (up to a third-degree crime for intentional violations). The law exempts news media from liability for past publications and directory services if the individual requested removal before deadlines.

Topics ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Data Privacy

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 2395: Elevates impersonating public servant to crime of fourth degree in certain instances; establishes offense of exploiting authority implied by a public emergency.

New Jersey bill S 2395 elevates impersonating a public servant - specifically contact tracers during public health or state emergencies - to a fourth-degree crime, punishable by up to 18 months in prison or a $10,000 fine. It also creates a new offense for defrauding people by falsely claiming an emergency (even if none is declared) to obtain personal identifying information. The bill targets individuals exploiting crisis situations to coerce others into sharing sensitive data like Social Security numbers, biometrics, or financial details. It directly affects those impersonating officials or misusing emergency claims to steal personal information, strengthening penalties from prior disorderly persons offenses. The law defines "personal identifying information" broadly to include names, addresses, account numbers, and unique biometric data.

Topics ✗ Criminal Justice ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Corrections Consumer Data Protection Data Privacy

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 3058: Enacts the "Reader Privacy Act."

This bill, the "Reader Privacy Act," protects the privacy of people using book services (like libraries, e-book platforms, or book rental services). It prohibits book service providers from sharing users' reading habits or personal details with law enforcement or government entities, except when the user consents, a court order exists, or for specific student book voucher reimbursements at schools. It also allows emergency disclosure if law enforcement claims an imminent threat to life or safety, requiring written confirmation within seven days. The law extends existing library privacy protections to all book services, including e-books, affecting both providers and users.

Topics ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Consumer Data Protection Tags Privacy

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 1966: Creates offense of tracking for unlawful purpose; imposes enhanced penalties.

This bill creates a new fourth-degree crime for using GPS or location-tracking devices to follow a vehicle with intent to commit an unlawful act, such as in domestic violence, sexual assault, or vehicle theft cases. It directly affects individuals who misuse tracking technology to monitor others for criminal purposes. The key provision mandates that this offense be sentenced under enhanced penalties, requiring a minimum five-year prison term (instead of standard penalties for fourth-degree crimes). The bill aims to address risks posed by technology misuse, without altering existing sentencing for other offenses.

Topics ✗ Criminal Justice ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Corrections Domestic Violence Sentencing

All technology bills