Bill
Bill > A6183
summary
Introduced
12/08/2025
12/08/2025
In Committee
12/08/2025
12/08/2025
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 expands New Jersey's existing cyber-harassment law to include communications made with reckless disregard for another person's safety, 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 with intent to emotionally harm, or threaten to commit a crime. The bill introduces a new category of cyber-harassment for communications made recklessly, which would be classified as a disorderly persons offense—a less serious criminal charge with potential penalties of up to six months in jail and/or a fine of up to $1,000. For individuals 21 and older who impersonate a minor to cyber-harass another minor, the offense remains a third-degree crime. The bill maintains existing provisions that allow courts to order minors adjudicated for cyber-harassment to attend awareness or behavior modification programs, and it allows for potential civil liability for parents who demonstrate willful disregard in supervising their children's online behavior. The legislation aims to provide additional legal tools to address harmful online communications that may not meet the current standard of intentional harassment.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Introduced, Referred to Assembly Judiciary Committee (on 12/08/2025)
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/A6183 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2024/A6500/6183_I1.HTM |
Loading...