Permits the witnessing and solemnization of a marriage ceremony and the issuance of a marriage license application or marriage license to be performed utilizing audio-video technology

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Robert Carroll and 3 co-sponsors

Requires New Jersey Transit to install onboard Wi-Fi on every rail vehicle within six months, expanding rider internet access and shaping funding and security needs.

REFERRED TO JUDICIARY

Summary of Bill A 1357 (New Jersey)

Note on discrepancy
- The bill’s title references witnessing/solemnization of marriage via audio-video technology, but the introduced version and statement relate to requiring onboard Wi‑Fi on New Jersey Transit trains. This summary follows the introduced content (onboard Wi‑Fi) unless otherwise noted.

Overview

Bill Number: A 1357

Title (introduced content): Permits witnessing/solemnization of a marriage via audio-video technology and issuance of marriage licenses via audio-video (per the stated title)

Introduced: January 9, 2024

Current Status: Referred to Judiciary (as of January 9, 2025)

Primary sponsor: Linda Rosenthal

Cosponsors: Robert C. Carroll, Stefani Zinerman, Jen Lunsford

Related bills: S 963 (companion), A 8192 and A 2181 (prior-session)

Purpose and intent (as introduced content)

The introduced version appears to mandate an infrastructure change for the New Jersey Transit Corporation (NJT) to provide onboard Wi‑Fi service on every rail passenger vehicle owned or operated by NJT.

The stated aim is to ensure continuous onboard internet access for riders, expanding from existing high-speed Wi‑Fi hotspots at select stations and pending expansion to NJT buses.

Key provisions

Onboard Wi‑Fi requirement:

NJT must provide onboard Wi‑Fi service on each rail passenger vehicle owned or operated by the corporation.

Timeline:

Six months from the act’s effective date to fully implement onboard Wi‑Fi on all rail vehicles.

Effective date:

The act is described as taking effect immediately.

Enabling language:

The bill would supplement Title 27 of the Revised Statutes (as pertains to NJT in this introduced content).

Affected parties and entities

Primary impact: New Jersey Transit Corporation (NJT)

Obligated to install and maintain onboard Wi‑Fi across all rail vehicles.

Riders and the traveling public:

Benefit from consistent internet access during rail transit.

State government and funding authorities:

Potential budgetary implications for installation, maintenance, service continuity, and security/compliance with data privacy standards.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Legislative history:

Introduced in the Assembly on January 9, 2024; referred to Assembly Transportation and Independent Authorities Committee.
As of January 9, 2025, referred to Judiciary (listed twice in the provided actions).

Implementation timeline:

Six months after the act’s effective date to achieve full onboard Wi‑Fi coverage on all NJT rail cars.

Additional notes

The “Statement” clarifies current NJT Wi‑Fi status (hotspots at select stations; expansion approved for buses), reinforcing the bill’s aim to expand onboard coverage rather than merely station-based access.

The presence of a companion bill (S 963) suggests parallel consideration in the Senate.

Potential considerations for readers

Costs and funding: What will be the capital and ongoing operating costs for installing and maintaining onboard Wi‑Fi across all rail cars?

Service quality and cybersecurity: How will service reliability be ensured, and what privacy/security protections will govern onboard networks?

Equity and access: How will service be designed to serve riders with varying data needs and devices?

Implementation risks: Coordination with NJT’s existing rolling stock, procurement timelines, and maintenance responsibilities.