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Bill > S450


NJ S450

NJ S450
Criminalizes use of "signal jammers."


summary

Introduced
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
01/13/2026
Dead
Signed/Enacted/Adopted
01/13/2026

Introduced Session

2026-2027 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," which are devices that block or interfere with authorized radio communications, including cell phone signals, Wi-Fi, and GPS, and can prevent emergency responders from locating individuals. While these devices are already illegal under federal law, this bill makes their use a crime of the fourth degree under New Jersey state law, which is a less serious felony offense. Specifically, it expands existing law to make it a crime to interfere with any radio communications licensed or authorized by federal law or the U.S. government, or to illegally use scanning receivers capable of intercepting cellular transmissions or altering them for listening. The bill also clarifies that violating these provisions will result in a fourth-degree crime, aligning state penalties with federal regulations.

Committee Categories

Justice

Sponsors (4)

Last Action

Withdrawn Because Approved P.L.2025, c.349. (on 01/13/2026)

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