Bill
Bill > A578
NJ A578
NJ A578Authorizes wiretap orders for investigation of luring or enticing a child, identity theft, stalking and cyber-harassment under certain circumstances.
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 would expand the wiretap statutes to authorize wiretap orders for investigation of the following crimes or a conspiracy to commit them: luring or enticing a child, impersonation or theft of identity, stalking, and cyber-harassment. Current law authorizes wiretap orders for investigations of the following crimes or a conspiracy to commit them: murder; kidnapping; gambling; robbery; bribery; certain aggravated assault offenses; health care claims fraud; certain wrongful credit practices; money laundering; terrorism; false public alarms; causing or risking widespread injury or damage; certain damages to nuclear electric generating plants; terroristic threats; leader of a narcotics trafficking network; maintaining or operating an unlawful CDS production facility; unlawfully manufacturing, distributing, or dispensing CDS; certain violations of the Casino Control Act; human trafficking; certain prostitution offenses; arson; burglary; certain theft offenses; endangering the welfare of a child; escape; certain forgery and fraudulent practices; alteration of motor vehicle identification numbers; unlawful manufacture, purchase, use, or transfer of firearms; unlawful possession or use of destructive devices or explosives; weapons training for illegal activities; racketeering; and leader of organized crime and organized criminal activity concerning certain hazardous substances.
AI Summary
This bill expands the types of crimes for which law enforcement officials can obtain court orders to intercept wire, electronic, or oral communications, commonly known as wiretaps. Currently, wiretaps are authorized for investigations into serious offenses like murder, kidnapping, and terrorism. This legislation adds investigations into luring or enticing a child, identity theft, stalking, and cyber-harassment to the list of crimes that can justify a wiretap order, provided the interception may yield evidence of these offenses or a conspiracy to commit them. The bill amends existing law, specifically Section 8 of P.L.1968, c.409 (C.2A:156A-8), to include these new offenses, while removing "endangering the welfare of a child" as a standalone justification for wiretaps, as it is now covered under the broader "luring or enticing a child" provision.
Committee Categories
Military Affairs and Security
Sponsors (5)
Gary Schaer (D)*,
Wayne DeAngelo (D),
Carol Murphy (D),
Annette Quijano (D),
Gerry Scharfenberger (R),
Last Action
Introduced, Referred to Assembly Public Safety and Preparedness 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/A578 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/A1000/578_I1.HTM |
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