Bill > S805

This bill requires information technology professionals, defined as individuals whose job duties involve programming, maintenance, repair, implementation, or support of electronic communication systems and related hardware or software, to immediately report any discovery of child pornography on such systems to law enforcement. This mandate applies when these professionals, acting within their professional capacity, know or have reason to believe that a file containing images of a child engaged in prohibited sexual acts or simulating such acts, as defined by New Jersey law (N.J.S.2C:24-4), is present, has been transmitted to, or is stored on an electronic communication system. The bill also clarifies that employees of public entities must report such findings to their supervisor or law enforcement, and any other person who reasonably believes such material exists may report it. Importantly, individuals who report such findings in good faith are protected from civil and criminal liability, and employers are prohibited from retaliating against employees who make such reports, with penalties for violations.