Bill
Bill > A2789
NJ A2789
NJ A2789Clarifies that harassment made anonymously or otherwise through electronic communication devices constitutes a petty disorderly offense.
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 existing harassment statute; N.J.S.2C:33-4, to criminalize cyber-harassment which occurs when offenders use the Internet or other forms of electronic communication to commit these offenses. Currently, N.J.S.2C:33-4 provides that a person who makes, or causes to be made, a communication "anonymously or at extremely inconvenient hours, or in offensively coarse language, or any other manner likely to cause annoyance or alarm" is guilty of harassment, a petty disorderly persons offense. This bill provides that a communication which is made anonymously or otherwise by means of an electronic communication device for the purpose of harassing another person shall constitute a petty disorderly offense. Under the bill, the term "electronic communication device" is defined as including, but not limited to, a telephone, cellular telephone, computer, computer network, computer system, video recorder, facsimile machine or pager.
AI Summary
This bill clarifies that harassment committed through electronic communication devices, such as phones, computers, or pagers, is considered a petty disorderly persons offense, which is a minor criminal offense. It amends an existing law, N.J.S.2C:33-4, which already defines harassment as making communications anonymously, at inconvenient hours, or in an offensive manner likely to cause annoyance or alarm, and also includes physical acts or alarming conduct. The amendment specifically adds that using electronic devices to send messages, post on websites, or communicate in any similar electronic way with the intent to harass another person falls under this existing harassment statute.
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/A2789 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/A3000/2789_I1.HTM |
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