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Bill > S3529


NJ S3529

NJ S3529
Criminalizes the use of "signal jammers."


summary

Introduced
06/28/2024
In Committee
01/08/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/12/2026

Introduced Session

2024-2025 Regular Session

Bill Summary

This bill would criminalize the use of "signal jammers" under State law. Such devices are already illegal under federal law. "Signal jammers," which are also known as signal blockers, GPS jammers, cell phone jammers, and text blockers, are radio frequency transmitters that are designed to block, jam, or otherwise interfere with authorized radio communications. These devices can prevent cell phones from making or receiving calls, texts, and emails; block Wi-Fi devices from connecting to the Internet; prevent a GPS from receiving correct positioning signals; and prevent a first responder from locating a person in an emergency. Under current New Jersey law, it is a crime of the fourth degree to: (1) make, or cause to be made, a radio transmission of energy in this State unless the person obtains a license, or an exemption from licensure, from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) pursuant to applicable federal law or regulation, or (2) do any act to cause an unlicensed radio transmission of energy or interference with a public or commercial radio station licensed by the FCC or to enable the radio transmission of energy or interference to occur. This bill provides that it would also be a crime of the fourth degree to interfere with or cause interference to any radio communications of any station licensed or authorized by or under any federal law or regulation or operated by the United States government; or, in violation of federal law or regulation, to use any scanning receiver that is capable of: (1) receiving transmissions in the frequencies allocated to the domestic cellular radio telecommunications service, (2) readily being altered by the user to receive transmissions in such frequencies, or (3) being equipped with decoders that convert digital cellular transmissions to analog voice audio. The provisions of this bill are also set out in federal law, specifically in 47 U.S.C. s.301 and 47 U.S.C. s.333.

AI Summary

This bill criminalizes the use of "signal jammers" under New Jersey state law. Signal jammers, also known as signal blockers, GPS jammers, cell phone jammers, and text blockers, are radio frequency transmitters that can disrupt authorized radio communications, such as preventing cell phones from making or receiving calls, texts, and emails, blocking Wi-Fi devices from connecting to the internet, preventing a GPS from receiving correct positioning signals, and hindering a first responder from locating someone in an emergency. The bill amends existing state law to make it a fourth-degree crime to interfere with or cause interference to any radio communications licensed or authorized under federal law, or to use any scanning receiver capable of receiving or being altered to receive transmissions in the frequencies allocated to the domestic cellular radio telecommunications service or that can convert digital cellular transmissions to analog voice audio, in violation of federal law or regulation.

Committee Categories

Budget and Finance, Justice

Sponsors (5)

Last Action

Substituted by A3739 (on 01/12/2026)

bill text


bill summary

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bill summary

Document Type Source Location
State Bill Page https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/S3529
Analysis - Statement SBA 1/8/2026 https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2024/S4000/3529_S2.PDF
Fiscal Note - Fiscal Estimate 1/8/26; as introduced https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2024/S4000/3529_E1.PDF
Analysis - Statement SJU 12/15/25 https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2024/S4000/3529_S1.PDF
BillText https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2024/S4000/3529_I1.HTM
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