This New Jersey bill mandates that inmates with 24 months or more remaining on their sentences participate in a virtual reality life skills simulator program within Department of Corrections facilities. The program is designed to teach practical skills such as resume writing, budgeting, conflict resolution, and emotional regulation through immersive simulations. Inmates who successfully complete this training will become eligible for additional time credits toward their release. The legislation also updates existing workforce training laws to include this new virtual reality component as a required part of inmate education.
This bill prohibits New Jersey law enforcement agencies from using drones for surveillance or other law enforcement activities, affecting police departments and officers statewide. Exceptions include drone use authorized by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security for counter-terrorism threats or by the forest fire service for wildfire monitoring (with a 350-foot altitude limit). It also bans drones for enforcing building and land-use regulations under state codes. Violating the ban can lead to civil lawsuits and the exclusion of illegally gathered evidence in court.
This bill requires New Jersey's Department of Treasury to review and approve a blockchain-based digital payment platform designed for legal, licensed businesses that lack access to traditional banking and operate primarily in cash. The platform must enable secure cashless transactions with a 1:1 virtual currency-to-dollar conversion, record all transactions on a permanent digital ledger, and allow businesses to pay sales tax to local municipalities. Businesses would need state approval to use the platform, which must also support managing expenditures and meeting regulatory requirements. The law aims to expand digital commerce access for cash-reliant businesses while ensuring compliance and security.
This New Jersey bill (A 3929) prohibits businesses from using facial recognition or biometric surveillance systems on customers at their physical locations, except when providing clear notice (like a visible sign) and using the system for a lawful purpose. Businesses must explain decisions to deny access or remove customers based on biometric data, and cannot sell or profit from collected biometric information. Violations carry fines up to $20,000 per offense, with a 30-day window to correct first violations without penalty. The law directly affects businesses operating physical premises and their customers in New Jersey.
This bill establishes the Blockchain Promotion and Integration Program in New Jersey, administered by the Commission on Science, Innovation and Technology with input from the Economic Development Authority. The program directly assists New Jersey businesses - especially small businesses - by increasing public awareness of blockchain technology, providing technical and financial support for adoption, connecting companies with resources, and recruiting investment into the blockchain sector. Key provisions include requiring the Commission to analyze New Jersey's blockchain industry landscape, partner with the New Jersey Blockchain Council and small business groups, and submit annual reports to the Governor and Legislature on progress and recommendations. The program aims to foster growth in blockchain-related business opportunities within the state.
This bill requires New Jersey's Department of Treasury to review and approve a blockchain-based digital payment platform designed for legal, licensed businesses without access to traditional banking services (often operating cash-only). The platform would enable cashless transactions with a 1:1 virtual currency-to-dollar exchange, managed through an immutable blockchain ledger that records all business transactions. Businesses must obtain state approval to use the platform, which would also handle sales tax payments to municipalities and support regulatory compliance and audits. The law aims to expand digital commerce access for underserved businesses while ensuring security and transparency.
This bill establishes a grant program through New Jersey's Economic Development Authority to attract emerging technology businesses to designated urban areas. It provides grants covering cloud computing service costs for qualifying businesses that locate or maintain headquarters in specific "urban technology zones" (like Newark, Trenton, or certain cities meeting population criteria). To qualify, businesses must have 100 or fewer full-time employees, show 20% growth in staff or revenue, and commit to keeping their U.S. headquarters in the zone for five years total (two years during the grant period plus three additional years). The program aims to boost job creation and economic growth in New Jersey's urban cores by incentivizing tech companies to use cloud-based services.
This bill establishes a licensing framework for businesses operating with digital assets (like cryptocurrencies) in New Jersey. It requires companies engaging in activities such as storing, trading, or issuing digital assets to obtain a license from the Bureau of Securities, unless exempt. Key exemptions include digital consumer assets used solely within online gaming platforms that don’t convert to cash or other currencies. The law explicitly excludes traditional securities from its scope and applies to activities occurring within New Jersey or targeting New Jersey residents.
This bill (A 2085) establishes the "Innovation Partnership" to provide state funding for nonprofit organizations that support emerging technology businesses in New Jersey. It directly affects emerging tech companies in fields like cybersecurity, biotechnology, renewable energy, and advanced materials - particularly minority-owned and women-owned businesses (defined as having at least 51% ownership by minorities or women). The key mechanism creates a state-funded "Fund" administered by the Commission on Science, Innovation and Technology, which will certify nonprofit "Innovation Partners" to provide financial assistance and resources to qualifying businesses. The bill requires these nonprofits to prioritize support for minority and women-led tech ventures, aiming to strengthen New Jersey's innovation ecosystem through targeted funding. The bill is pending before the Assembly Science, Innovation and Technology Committee.
This New Jersey bill prohibits public and private entities from collecting, storing, or sharing biometric data (like facial recognition, fingerprints, or voice patterns) without clear notice. It requires entities to post plain-language signs at all entry points if they use biometric systems, directly affecting businesses, schools, and government agencies that currently use such technology. Violations carry $5,000 fines for first offenses, $10,000 for repeat violations, and repeated offenses (five or more in 30 days) may become criminal charges punishable by fines up to $15,000 or imprisonment. The bill defines "biometric identifier information" as data from systems identifying people via unique physical traits.
