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Bill

A 1917

Prohibits soliciting or phishing for personal identifying information.

2024-2025 Regular Session Introduced by Ellen Park

New Jersey bill criminalizes phishing and solicitation of personal identifying information to combat identity theft through state-level penalties and enforcement.

Introduced in the Assembly, Referred to Assembly Public Safety and Preparedness Committee
#crimproced #crimes
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Bill Summary · A 1917

Legislative bill overview

Bill A 1917 creates criminal prohibitions against soliciting or phishing for personal identifying information in New Jersey. The bill establishes penalties for individuals who use deceptive means to obtain sensitive personal data like social security numbers, financial account information, or other identity markers.

Why is this important

Identity theft and phishing scams cost Americans billions annually and disproportionately harm vulnerable populations. This legislation attempts to strengthen legal protections by creating specific criminal liability for the predatory conduct that enables identity fraud, complementing existing computer crime statutes.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope and definition clarity: The bill's language around what constitutes "phishing" and "soliciting" personal information may be too broad or too narrow, potentially affecting legitimate business communications (banking verification, security alerts, customer service inquiries)
  • Enforcement challenges: Phishing often originates from out-of-state or international actors, raising questions about how New Jersey law enforcement would effectively prosecute and whether penalties deter conduct already illegal under federal law
  • Overlap with existing statutes: New Jersey and federal law already criminalize identity theft, computer fraud, and wire fraud; unclear whether this creates redundant legislation or fills a genuine enforcement gap

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

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