This bill amends N.J.S.2C:24-4 to establish penalties for child endangerment specifically through the use of electronic communication, including social media. It states that a person is guilty of child endangerment if they knowingly act in a manner likely to harm the physical, mental, or moral welfare of a child under 18 years of age via electronic communication, or if they direct or authorize a child to engage in a dangerous occupation. If the individual has a legal duty for the child's care, the offense is classified as a second-degree crime; otherwise, it is a third-degree crime.

The penalties for these crimes align with existing child endangerment laws, with second-degree crimes carrying a potential sentence of five to ten years in prison and fines up to $150,000, while third-degree crimes may result in three to five years of imprisonment and fines up to $15,000. The bill aims to address the exploitation of children on social media, particularly in light of reports of convicted sex offenders targeting content posted by parents for financial gain, thereby providing law enforcement with additional tools to combat such exploitation.