This bill amends New Jersey's child endangerment statute, N.J.S.2C:24-4, to include provisions specifically addressing the use of automated interactive computer technology, such as AI, in relation to child welfare. It establishes a new crime of the fourth degree for individuals who knowingly or recklessly allow a child to be subjected to sexual conduct through the creation, control, possession, manipulation, use, dissemination, sale, or promotion of such technology. The bill also clarifies that it is not a violation if the technology is designed to prevent sexual conduct when interacting with a child.

Under the current law, endangering the welfare of a child is classified as a second-degree crime for those with a legal duty to care for the child and a third-degree crime for others. The penalties for these crimes vary, with second-degree crimes carrying a potential sentence of five to ten years, third-degree crimes three to five years, and fourth-degree crimes up to 18 months. The bill aims to address the evolving nature of child exploitation in the digital age by explicitly including AI technology in the legal framework governing child endangerment.