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Bill

Bill

A 619

Establishes crime of doxxing.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Bob Auth and 19 co-sponsors

New Jersey makes doxxing a crime when disclosing someone’s personal data to cause fear or harm, with specific defenses and penalties based on harm level.

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Science, Innovation and Technology Committee
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Bill Summary · A 619

Summary of New Jersey Bill A-619 (Session 222)

Purpose and Intent

  • Establishes the crime of doxxing in New Jersey. The bill defines doxxing as knowingly disclosing another person’s personal identifying information (PII) via electronic means or social media with the intent to subject the person or a close relation to unlawful force, violence, stalking, physical restraint, mental anguish, or to cause reasonable fear for safety.
  • Creates criminal penalties for doxxing and provides specific exceptions and a rebuttable presumption related to intent and public interest.

Key Provisions and Changes

Definition of Terms

  • Close relation includes a broad set of familial and household relationships and individuals with significant personal or professional ties (e.g., spouse, domestic partner, parent, child, grandparent, siblings, current or recent household members, etc.).
  • Mental anguish is defined as severe emotional distress or suffering of a protracted nature, evidenced by anxiety or fear, not necessarily requiring a mental health diagnosis.
  • Personal identifying information (PII) has the same meaning as in N.J.S.A. 2C:20-1.

Prohibited Conduct (Criminalization)

  • A person commits doxxing if, with the purpose to subject another person or their close relation to unlawful force/violence, stalking, physical restraint, mental anguish, or fear for safety, they knowingly disclose PII without consent through electronic devices or social networks, and the disclosure:
    1. Creates a substantial risk of serious bodily injury or physical harm; or
    2. Creates a substantial risk of stalking; or
    3. Inflicts mental anguish and places the person or close relation in reasonable fear of physical harm.

Exceptions (Non-Criminal Violations)

  • The act is not violated if the disclosure:
    • (a) Is in good faith to inform the public of conduct reasonably believed to be unlawful.
    • (b) Is in good faith to inform law enforcement of conduct reasonably believed to constitute a crime.
    • (c) Occurs during cooperation in an official investigation or prosecution of a cyber harassment violation (N.J.S.A. 2C:33-4.1).

Rebuttable Presumption

  • There is a rebuttable presumption that the actor did not intend to cause unlawful force, stalking, physical restraint, or mental anguish, or fear for safety if the PII was disclosed principally for:
    • (a) Publishing/disseminating/reporting in good faith conduct by an elected public official or law enforcement officer believed to be unlawful or an abuse of authority.
    • (b) Engaging in lawful, constitutionally protected activity related to speech, assembly, press, or petition.

Other Provisions

  • The bill does not authorize disclosures that violate existing privacy protections under P.L.2020, c.125 (specific privacy law).
  • Penalties:
    • Do xxing crime is a fourth-degree offense (up to 18 months in prison, fines up to $10,000, or both).
    • If the disclosure results in serious bodily injury, physical harm, or stalking, it qualifies as a third-degree offense (3-5 years imprisonment, fines up to $15,000, or both).

Effective Date

  • The act takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Who Is Affected

  • Individuals who disclose another person’s PII with the intent described, and their close relations as defined by the statute.
  • Potentially affects online platforms and communications where PII is shared, subject to the bill’s exemptions and defenses.
  • Law enforcement and public officials may be relevant, given the rebuttable presumption related to public officials and lawful/constitutional activities.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduced January 13, 2026, and referred to the Assembly Science, Innovation and Technology Committee.
  • Several co-sponsors from both major party-affiliated and independent legislators; indicates bipartisan consideration.

Practical Implications

  • Clarifies that doxxing, when resulting in harm or imminent risk, is prosecutable as a crime in New Jersey.
  • Provides specific defense pathways via good-faith information sharing, law enforcement reporting, or participation in investigations.
  • Establishes penalties aligned with the severity of harm caused by the doxxing act.

If you’d like, I can compare A-619 to other states’ doxxing statutes or draft a one-page briefing for a non-legal audience.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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