Bill > S2156

Introduced Session

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.

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Paul Moriarty (D)*, 

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Judiciary Committee (on 01/13/2026)

Official Document