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 GPS functionality, potentially endangering emergency response efforts. The bill amends current law to include additional prohibitions against interfering with radio communications of federally licensed stations and using scanning receivers that can access cellular frequencies.

Specifically, the bill introduces new legal language that makes it a crime of the fourth degree to interfere with any federally authorized radio communications or to use scanning receivers capable of receiving cellular transmissions. The amendments also clarify the definition of "radio transmission of energy" in accordance with federal law. Overall, this legislation seeks to enhance public safety by reinforcing the legal framework against the use of signal jammers in New Jersey.

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