NEW JASY – New Jersey’s newly signed law includes measures to extend the early voting period for primary elections, combat retail theft and establish “deepfake” penalties for artificial intelligence.
Look at these new laws of garden conditions:
Establishing criminal penalties for deceptive AI
This bipartisan measure (A3540/S2544) was partially inspired by the advocacy of Westfield High School student Francesca Mani, who was “exploited, abused and victimized” by fake pornographic images produced by artificial intelligence in 2023.
The bill creates this penalty that creates or distributes deceptive audio or video, also known as “deepfakes,” for illegal purposes.
Anyone who violates the law could be subject to a fine of up to $30,000 and a prison term.
“I said this victory belongs to all women and teenagers can’t do anything, it’s impossible, it’s just to move on,” Mani said in a statement. “It’s proof that with the right support we can create change together.”
As of last year, governors of more than a dozen states had signed laws cracking down on digitally created or altered images of child sexual abuse, according to the Associated Press.
Make the erasure process more accessible
Under this Act (A3881/SS2513), anyone who has undergone the process of clearing a record of a particular criminal conviction in New Jersey can check their status in an online database. The database is maintained by New Jersey State Police and continues to help deal with the backlog of the downward order, officials said.
The bill also requires the NJSP to provide an annual public report of status updates regarding the expungement process.
This comes after the state attorney general, state police and public defense attorney offices reached an agreement earlier this year to improve the expungement process.
Extending the in-person voting for primary elections
Direct early voting will be extended to six days in presidential and non-presidential primary under this measure (S3990/A5370). Previously, the early voting period for non-presidential primary elections was three days, and five days for presidential primary elections.
The law charges $6 million to expand early voting statewide. It will take effect immediately. This means that residents will have a long period of time to vote early in this June primary. This includes candidates for governor.
“As well as benefit voters, the bill will also release voters from the overwhelming Election Day crowds and will also reduce the financial burden on local governments during the day,” said Rep. Gabriel Rodriguez, D-Hudson, one of the bill’s sponsors. “It is a practical solution that enhances accessibility, efficiency and participation in our democratic processes.”
Upgrading criminal penalties for retail theft crimes
This bill (A4755/S3587) directs the Attorney General to crack down on organized retail thefts and establishes more severe penalties for certain crimes. Gov. Phil Murphy signed on April 1st.
Under this law, the sale of stolen property is an unconventional person, and anyone who attacks a retail employee while working can be charged with aggravated assault.
An offender may be sentenced to extended sentences due to repeated convictions.
“Over the past few years, we have been working to crack down on systematic retail theft that threatens livelihoods and public safety. With today’s bill, we are taking critical steps to combat this growing threat and protect businesses and workers across the state,” Murphy said.
