Bill > A4518

Introduced Session

This bill would amend the current law concerning computer theft to specifically address the "bombing" of online video conferences or teleconferences. Under current law, a person is guilty of computer criminal activity if, among other provisions, the person purposely or knowingly and without authorization, or in excess of authorization, accesses and recklessly alters, damages or destroys any data, data base, computer, computer storage medium, computer program, computer software, computer equipment, computer system or computer network. This bill amends the statute to include unauthorized access to, and disruption of, an online video conference or teleconference. Currently, it is a crime of the fourth degree to violate this provision of law, except that it is a crime of the third degree if the value of the damage exceeds $5,000. Under the bill, it would also be a crime of the third degree if the violation consists of accessing an online video conference or teleconference without authorization and posting or displaying obscene material in violation of N.J.S.2C:34-3 that is viewed by a minor under the age of 18. A crime of the fourth degree is punishable by a term of imprisonment of up to 18 months or a fine up to $10,000, or both; a crime of the third degree is punishable by a term of three to five years or a fine up to $15,000, or both.

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Committee Categories

Craig Coughlin (D)*,  Gerry Scharfenberger (R)*,  Ronald Dancer (R),  Serena DiMaso (R),  Eric Houghtaling (D),  Nancy Pinkin (D),  Kevin Rooney (R), 

Received in the Senate, Referred to Senate Judiciary Committee (on 09/17/2020)