This bill aims to regulate the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and generative artificial intelligence (generative AI) within the news media industry in New Jersey. It establishes the Artificial Intelligence In Communications Oversight Committee as part of the existing Artificial Intelligence Task Force, which was created by the Governor in 2023. The committee's responsibilities include crafting regulations for AI in media, investigating the potential replacement of human journalists by AI, studying the impact of AI on wages and work standards in the news media workforce, and examining the implications of AI on public opinion and data collection. The committee will also be required to submit an annual report to the Governor and the Legislature.

Under the provisions of the bill, news media entities are permitted to use AI to assist their staff in reporting but are explicitly prohibited from replacing professionals with AI. Any generative AI content must include a label indicating its nature, credit to the sources used, and a disclaimer regarding the accuracy of the content. Violations of these regulations can result in civil penalties ranging from $10,000 for the first offense to $30,000 for subsequent offenses, enforceable by the Attorney General. The bill emphasizes the importance of protecting journalistic integrity and ensuring responsible dissemination of news in the face of rapidly advancing AI technologies.