This bill aims to criminalize the use of signal jammers in New Jersey, aligning state law with existing federal regulations that already prohibit such devices. Signal jammers, which can disrupt authorized radio communications, pose significant risks by preventing cell phone usage, blocking Wi-Fi connections, and hindering emergency responders. The bill amends current law to include new provisions that make it a crime of the fourth degree to interfere with any radio communications of federally licensed stations or to use scanning receivers that can access cellular frequencies without authorization.

Specifically, the bill adds language to the existing law that prohibits interference with radio communications authorized by federal law and outlines the illegal use of scanning receivers capable of receiving cellular transmissions. The amended law clarifies that violations of these provisions will also be classified as a crime of the fourth degree, thereby enhancing the legal framework against the use of signal jammers and similar devices. The bill is set to take effect immediately upon passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 2C:33-23.1, 2C:33-23.2