WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

A 2301

Establishes the small business crime prevention services

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Marianne Buttenschon and 3 co-sponsors

Establishes cyber-interference as a 4th-degree crime for tampering with software or devices to harass, covering smart homes, cameras, PCs, etc.; up to 18 months and $10,000.

REFERRED TO SMALL BUSINESS
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · A 2301

Summary of New Jersey Bill A 2301

Overview

Bill A 2301, introduced January 9, 2024, would establish the crime of cyber-interference by making it illegal to tamper with or interfere with software, computers, cell phones, or other electronic devices with the purpose of harassing another person. The act would supplement Title 2C of the New Jersey Statutes and take effect immediately upon enactment. The bill has been referred to the Small Business committee in its latest actions.

Purpose and Intent

  • Create a criminal offense named "cyber-interference" to address harassing conduct conducted through manipulation of electronic devices.
  • Specifically target actions intended to harass another person by tampering with digital hardware or software.

Key Provisions

  • Section 1 – Crime and Scope

    • Establishes cyber-interference as a crime of the fourth degree.
    • Elements: the offender acts with the purpose to harass another person and tampers or interferes with any software, computer, cell phone, or other electronic device.
    • Broad definition of “electronic device” to include, but not limited to:
    • Smart home devices/systems
    • Home security systems
    • Computers
    • Digital cameras
    • Wireless or portable equipment
    • Entertainment systems
    • Any device capable of transmitting, receiving, or recording messages, images, sounds, data, or other information electronically

  • Section 2 – Effective Date

    • The act would take effect immediately upon enactment.

Penalties

  • A fourth-degree crime, punishable by:
    • Up to 18 months of imprisonment
    • Up to $10,000 in fines
    • Or both imprisonment and fine

Procedural and Timeline Notes

  • Introduced: January 9, 2024
  • Initial referral: Assembly Science, Innovation and Technology Committee
  • Subsequent actions: Referred to Small Business on January 16, 2025 (listed twice in the record)
  • Status: Referred to Small Business (as of the latest actions)

Sponsorship

  • Primary Sponsor: Michaelle C. Solages
  • Co-sponsors: Rebecca Seawright, Marianne Buttenschon, Manny De Los Santos

Related Legislation

  • Related or companion bills noted: A 2302 (prior-session), A 6931 (prior-session), S 8091 (prior-session), S 7123 (prior-session), S 1087 (prior-session), A 10295 (prior-session), A 8116 (prior-session), S 3187 (companion)

Potential Impact and Considerations

  • Scope and Clarity: The expansive definition of “electronic device” ensures broad coverage of modern consumer and business devices (smart home, security systems, cameras, etc.), which may aid enforcement against harassing conduct conducted via tampering.
  • Enforcement and Proof: Proving “with the purpose to harass” could require substantial evidence of the offender’s intent and the connection between tampering and harassment.
  • Deterrence vs. Prosecution: As a fourth-degree offense, penalties are modest compared to more serious cybercrimes, potentially affecting enforcement priorities and resource allocation for prosecutors.
  • Small Business Context: Given the bill’s referral to the Small Business committee, there may be considerations regarding how small businesses operating with IoT and smart devices would be affected, including compliance and incident response implications.

This summary captures the essential elements, purpose, provisions, and potential impact of Bill A 2301 as introduced and subsequently referred.

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

Sign in to ask a question.