Bill > A4643

This bill creates a new criminal offense of child endangerment via electronic communication, specifically targeting harmful interactions on social media and social networking websites. Under the proposed law, a person can be found guilty of child endangerment if they knowingly act in a way that is likely to be harmful to a child under 18 years old through electronic communication, or if they direct a child to engage in an activity that poses a substantial risk to their life or health. The severity of the criminal charge depends on the perpetrator's relationship to the child: if the person has a legal duty of care for the child, they would be charged with a second-degree crime, while other individuals would be charged with a third-degree crime. The bill specifically defines electronic communication to include social media and social networking websites, but explicitly excludes interactive computer services and telecommunications providers to avoid unintended consequences for these platforms. This legislation aims to provide legal recourse for protecting children from potential online harm by expanding the definition of child endangerment to include digital interactions that could threaten a child's physical, mental, or moral welfare.

Business and Industry, Justice

https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/A4643