Bill
Bill > S4533
summary
Introduced
05/29/2025
05/29/2025
In Committee
05/29/2025
05/29/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/12/2026
01/12/2026
Introduced Session
2024-2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill amends the cyber-harassment law, N.J.S.A.2C:33-4.1, to include online communications made with reckless disregard for the safety of another, in addition to communications made purposely or intentionally. Under current law, cyber-harassment is a crime of the fourth degree and occurs when a person makes one or more communications in an online capacity via any electronic device or through a social networking site with purpose to harass another and: (1) threatens to inflict injury or physical harm to any person or the property of any person; (2) knowingly sends, posts, comments, requests, suggests, or proposes any lewd, indecent, or obscene material to or about a person with the intent to emotionally harm a reasonable person or place a reasonable person in fear of physical or emotional harm to his person; or (3) threatens to commit any crime against the person or the person's property. If a person 21 years of age or older impersonates a minor for the purpose of cyber-harassing the minor, it is a crime of the third degree. Under the bill, a person commits the crime of cyber-harassment if the person makes a communication with reckless disregard for the safety of another and knowingly sends, posts, comments, requests, suggests, or proposes any lewd, indecent, or obscene material to or about a person recklessly. Cyber-harassment committed recklessly is a disorderly persons offense. A crime of the fourth degree is punishable by a term of imprisonment of up to 18 months, a fine of up to $10,000, or both. A crime of the third degree is punishable by a term of imprisonment of three to five years, a fine of up to $15,000, or both. A disorderly persons offense is punishable by a term of imprisonment of up to six months, a fine of up to $1,000, or both.
AI Summary
This bill amends New Jersey's existing cyber-harassment law to expand its scope by including communications made with "reckless disregard for the safety of another," in addition to communications made purposely or intentionally. Currently, cyber-harassment is a fourth-degree crime involving online communications that threaten physical harm, send lewd or obscene material, or threaten to commit a crime against someone. The bill introduces a new classification for reckless cyber-harassment, which will be considered a disorderly persons offense (a lower-level offense) instead of a fourth-degree crime. The changes mean that even if a person does not intentionally mean to harass someone, they can still be charged if their online communication shows a reckless disregard for the other person's safety. The bill maintains existing provisions about potential consequences for minors, including court-ordered awareness programs, and adds that parents or guardians who fail to comply with court-ordered conditions can be fined. The law aims to provide additional legal protection against harmful online communications by broadening the definition of cyber-harassment and creating more flexible enforcement mechanisms.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Judiciary Committee (on 05/29/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/S4533 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2024/S5000/4533_I1.HTM |
Loading...