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Bill > A3600
NJ A3600
NJ A3600Prohibits election-related identity theft; upgrades dissemination of false campaign communications to third degree crime.
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 amends the identity theft statute to include a prohibition on the unlawful impersonation of a person, including through false depictions using computer software commonly known as "deepfakes," where the impersonation is in furtherance of the nomination, election, or defeat of any candidate, or in aid of the passage or defeat of any public question in an election. Under the bill, such election-related unlawful impersonation is a crime of the third degree. However, if the offense occurs within 90 days of an election, it is upgraded to a crime of the second degree. In addition, the bill upgrades the offense of knowingly producing, transmitting, or disseminating a false election advertisement that purports to be from a campaign for the purpose of impeding that campaign, by concealing the actual origin of the advertisement, from a disorderly persons offense to a crime of the third degree. A crime of the second degree is punishable by a term of imprisonment of five to 10 years, a fine of up to $150,000, or both. A crime of the third degree is punishable by a term of imprisonment of 3 to 5 years, a fine of up to $15,000, or both.
AI Summary
This bill makes it illegal to impersonate someone, including through the use of "deepfakes" (realistic but fabricated videos or audio), if the impersonation is done to influence an election, such as helping or hindering a candidate or a public question. This election-related impersonation is classified as a third-degree crime, meaning it can result in 3 to 5 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $15,000. If this offense occurs within 90 days of an election, it is elevated to a second-degree crime, carrying a penalty of 5 to 10 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $150,000. Additionally, the bill upgrades the offense of knowingly spreading false campaign advertisements that hide their true origin to a third-degree crime, from its previous classification as a less serious disorderly persons offense.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Introduced, Referred to Assembly Judiciary 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/A3600 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/A4000/3600_I1.HTM |
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