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Bill > S2910
NJ S2910
NJ S2910Requires Internet websites which deal in electronic dissemination of music or audiovisual works to disclose certain information.
summary
Introduced
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026-2027 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill requires Internet websites which deal in the electronic dissemination of music or audiovisual works to disclose certain information. Under the provisions of this bill, a person who owns or operates an Internet website or online service dealing in substantial part in the electronic dissemination of third-party commercial recordings or audiovisual works, directly or indirectly, and who electronically disseminates the material to consumers in this State is required to clearly and conspicuously disclose the person's correct name, physical address, telephone number, and email address in a location readily accessible to a consumer using or visiting the Internet website or online service. The bill provides that an owner, assignee, authorized agent, or exclusive licensee of a commercial recording or audiovisual work electronically disseminated by an Internet website or online service in violation of the provisions of this bill may bring a private cause of action against a violator to obtain a declaratory judgment and injunctive relief. However, before filing an action under this section, the aggrieved party is required to make reasonable efforts to provide notice to the person alleged to be in violation of this bill in order to allow the alleged violator 14 days to cure the violation. If the alleged violator has failed to cure the violation within 14 days of receiving notice, the aggrieved party may institute a civil action in the Superior Court for relief pursuant to the provisions of this bill. The prevailing party is entitled to recover necessary expenses incurred in an action under this section, including reasonable attorney's fees. A violation of the bill's provisions constitute an unlawful practice and a violation of P.L.1960, c.39 (C.56:8-1 et seq.). An unlawful practice under the consumer fraud act is punishable by a monetary penalty of not more than $10,000 for a first offense and not more than $20,000 for any subsequent offense. In addition, a violation can result in cease and desist orders issued by the Attorney General, the assessment of punitive damages, and the awarding of treble damages and costs to the injured.
AI Summary
This bill requires any person who owns or operates an Internet website or online service that substantially deals with the electronic dissemination of music or audiovisual works to clearly display their name, physical address, phone number, and email address in an easily accessible location on the website. Electronic dissemination refers to making these works available through the internet or other digital networks. A "commercial recording or audiovisual work" is defined as any such work that is or is intended to be distributed by its owner or licensee, regardless of whether financial gain is sought. If a website violates these disclosure requirements, the owner, assignee, agent, or exclusive licensee of the affected work can sue the violator for a court order to stop the violation. However, before filing a lawsuit, the aggrieved party must first notify the alleged violator and give them 14 days to fix the problem. If the violation isn't corrected, a civil lawsuit can be filed in court, and the winning party can recover their legal expenses, including attorney fees. Violating this bill is considered an unlawful practice under New Jersey's consumer fraud act, which can result in significant monetary penalties, cease and desist orders, punitive damages, and treble damages for the injured party. Importantly, this bill does not hold providers of internet services, such as internet access providers or hosting services, financially liable for the violations of others using their services.
Committee Categories
Business and Industry
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Commerce Committee (on 01/13/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/S2910 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/S3000/2910_I1.HTM |
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