This bill amends New Jersey's child endangerment laws to include penalties for actions taken via electronic communication, specifically targeting behaviors that may harm a child's physical, mental, or moral welfare. The new provision states that a person is guilty of child endangerment if they knowingly act in a manner likely to be injurious to a child under 18 years of age through electronic means, including social media. If the individual has a legal duty of care for the child, the offense is classified as a second-degree crime; otherwise, it is a third-degree crime. The penalties for these crimes include significant prison time and fines, with second-degree crimes carrying a potential sentence of five to ten years and fines up to $150,000, while third-degree crimes could result in three to five years of imprisonment and fines up to $15,000.

The bill aims to address the growing concern over the exploitation of children on social media platforms, where parents may post content for financial gain, potentially exposing their children to harm. By establishing clear legal consequences for such actions, the bill seeks to empower law enforcement to hold accountable those who exploit children through digital means. The intent is to provide a legal framework that protects children from being placed in dangerous situations as a result of their parents' or guardians' actions online.