New Jersey Assembly Bill A4643

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/25/24
• Refer: 6/25/24

Caption

Creates penalty for child endangerment via use of social media.

Impact

The act modifies existing child welfare laws under N.J.S.2C:24-4 to include electronic communication as a medium through which child endangerment can occur. It stipulates that those with a legal obligation to care for a child who act inappropriately online can face severe penalties, including imprisonment for five to ten years and substantial fines. For others, the consequences include a lesser penalty but still significant repercussions. These modifications intend to provide law enforcement with greater tools to combat the exploitation and endangerment of children who are increasingly targeted on social media.

Summary

Assembly Bill A4643 aims to strengthen protections for children in the digital age by creating specific penalties for child endangerment through the use of social media. This legislation addresses the growing concern of children's safety on social platforms, recognizing that behaviors that might jeopardize their welfare are increasingly prevalent. Under this bill, individuals who use electronic communication, particularly social media, to engage in actions that could harm a child or expose them to risk are liable for criminal charges, with distinctions based on their relationship to the child and their duty of care.

Contention

A4643 is likely to spark discussions around the balance between protecting children online and the potential for overreach in criminalizing behaviors that may not be intended to cause harm. Opponents may argue that the bill could lead to excessive penalties for minor infractions or misunderstandings, while supporters stress the urgent need to protect vulnerable children from modern threats that did not exist when earlier laws were established. The implications of this bill also signal a shift towards taking electronic communication seriously in discussions about child welfare and safety.