NJ S448

Cyber-harassment against public servants or their family members would be upgraded from a fourth degree crime to a third degree crime under this New Jersey bill.

"Public servant" is defined broadly to include anyone elected, appointed, or employed by any public entity in New Jersey, as well as judicial officers, jurors, advisors, and consultants performing governmental functions.

The bill establishes an Office of Cyber-Harassment Support within the Division of Violence Intervention and Victim Assistance in the Department of Law and Public Safety to provide victim assistance, educational programs, and law enforcement training.

The new office would collaborate with social media platforms to develop stricter content policies, coordinate with the Department of Education on cyber ethics classes in schools, and establish user-friendly reporting systems for victims.

General Fund appropriations would be provided to the Department of Law and Public Safety as certified necessary by the Attorney General for implementation.