Governor Murphy Signs Bipartisan Legislation Establishing Civil and Criminal Penalties for Deceptive AI Deepfakes

Governor Phil Murphy signed A3540/S2544, establishing civil and criminal penalties for the production and dissemination of deceptive audio or visual media, commonly known as "deepfakes." The Governor was joined by Lieutenant Governor Tahesha Way, Attorney General Matt Platkin, and Westfield High School junior and advocate Francesca Mani.

“I am proud to sign today’s legislation and take a stand against deceptive and dangerous deepfakes,” said Governor Murphy. “While artificial intelligence has proven to be a powerful tool, it must be used responsibly. My Administration is laser-focused on combatting misinformation and ensuring media integrity. We stand with the victims of deepfake imagery and will continue to prioritize the safety and well-being of all New Jerseyans.”

“While AI technologies present significant opportunity, as a parent, I share the Governor’s concern for the ways bad actors can use AI to endanger and harm our children. And as Secretary of State I also share concerns for interference with our elections,” said Lt. Governor Tahesha Way, who serves as Chief Elections Official in her capacity of Secretary of State. “Deepfakes are a powerful tool for deception, capable of undermining public trust. And, election interference is not just an attack on a process—it is an attack on the very foundation of our democracy. This legislation sends a clear message: New Jersey is ready for AI – both for all the good it can do, as well as the dangers it presents. And further, we will not tolerate attempts to manipulate our democratic processes. By establishing civil and criminal penalties for the creation and distribution of deceptive media, we are equipping our state with the tools to hold bad actors accountable.”

“Artificial intelligence can be used maliciously or irresponsibly to damage lives and reputations by producing or disseminating deceptive audio or visual media, commonly known as ‘deepfakes,’” said Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin. “This new law is aimed at those who would misuse this powerful technology to defraud or hurt others, and provides carefully tailored criminal and civil safeguards and remedies to protect the public when deepfakes are used improperly. We are grateful to the Legislature and Governor Murphy for enacting these new protections.”

“I’m proud to have advocated for AI legislation since 2023 and honored to join Governor Phil Murphy as he signs this into law,” said AI deepfake victim turned advocate Francesca Mani, TIME100 Most Influential Person in AI. “This victory belongs to every woman and teenager told nothing could be done, that it was impossible, and to just move on. It’s proof that with the right support, we can create change together.”

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Governor Murphy Signs Bill to Protect New Jersey Businesses Against Retail Theft

Governor Phil Murphy signed A4755/S3587, which establishes and upgrades certain crimes related to retail theft, provides that repeat offenders can be sentenced to extended prison terms, addresses gift card fraud, and requires the Attorney General to take actions to combat organized retail theft. 

“No business owner or retail worker should have to fear for their safety or endure the financial loss caused by organized retail theft,” said Governor Murphy. “Over the past few years, we have worked to crack down on organized retail theft, which threatens livelihoods and public safety. With today’s bill, we are taking decisive action to combat this growing threat and protect businesses and workers statewide.”

To impose stricter penalties for these crimes and establish a dedicated effort to combat organized retail theft, the bill specifically:

1. Upgrades any simple assault to an aggravated assault when committed against a retail employee engaged in the performance of their duties
2. Upgrades to a second-degree crime the failure to pay a tax, fee, penalty, or interest due if accrued through conduct as a leader of an organized retail theft enterprise
3. Establishes fostering the sale of stolen property as a disorderly persons offense
4. Provides that the value of merchandise involved in a shoplifting offense may be used to upgrade the offense
5. Provides that a person may be sentenced to an extended prison term for repeat convictions related to retail theft
6. Requires merchants that sell gift cards to ensure that the gift cards are enclosed in secure packaging and that they display a consumer notice related to gift card fraud provided by the Division of Consumer Affairs
7. Requires the Attorney General to undertake steps as deemed appropriate to effectively investigate, prosecute, and deter organized retail theft, which may include establishing a retail theft unit, task force, or other office or initiative 

“We look forward to working with our law enforcement partners to continue fighting sophisticated organized retail theft rings using the tools provided by the Legislature and Governor Murphy,” said Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin. “This new law upgrades and, in some circumstances, provides for extended terms of imprisonment for certain retail theft crimes, as well as addressing gift card fraud. It will give us additional ways to better protect New Jersey retailers, their employees, and their customers from victimization.”

“This bill is a major step forward in our fight against organized retail theft,” said Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police. “By imposing stricter penalties, protecting retail employees, and cracking down on gift card fraud, we are sending a strong message that these crimes will not be tolerated. Governor Murphy’s leadership ensures law enforcement has the tools to hold offenders accountable and safeguard New Jersey businesses, employees, and consumers.”

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Governor Murphy Announces NJEDA Grant Program to Support Small Businesses Affected by the Route 80 Shutdown

Governor Phil Murphy announced that the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) plans to create a $5 million grant program aimed at supporting small businesses in Morris County that have experienced a decline in revenue due to the lane closures on Route 80 caused by the ongoing sinkhole repairs. The Route 80 Business Assistance Grant Program will provide grants to for businesses and non-profits located in close proximity to Route 80’s Exit 34. The grant program will go to the NJEDA Board next week for approval.

Additionally, the Governor announced that the U.S. Small Business Administration this week approved Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL), capped at $2 million, for Morris County and the contiguous counties of Hunterdon, Passaic, Somerset, Sussex, Union, and Warren. The EIDLs are a working capital loans to help small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture, and most private, non-profit organizations of all sizes meet their ordinary and necessary financial obligations that cannot be met as a direct result of the disaster. These loans are intended to assist through the disaster recovery period
 
“It’s been a grueling several weeks for Morris County business owners located off the Route 80 corridor. From Wharton to Roxbury, small businesses have had fewer customers, resulting in a decline in sales and revenue. I’m happy to announce today that help is on the way,” said Governor Murphy. “The NJEDA’s planned grant program, paired with the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Economic Injury Disaster Loans, will inject much-needed capital into small businesses. We are committed to doing this as swiftly as possible to ease the burden on local businesses.”

“From natural disasters like Hurricane Sandy and tropical storms Henri and Ida, to a once-in-a-lifetime pandemic like COVID-19, the NJEDA is committed to supporting small business owners during dire times,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “The NJEDA shares Governor Murphy’s sense of urgency as we work to get critical funds to businesses most impacted by the Route 80 detours. We look forward to launching the program, which will help relieve the financial burden on small businesses, allowing them to stay open and continue serving communities in Morris County.”

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Murphy Administration Awards $10 Million to 43 Organizations for Housing Supports Provider Readiness Program

The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) and Department of Human Services (DHS) announced the award of $10.7 million in grant funding to 43 nonprofit organizations across the state through the NJ FamilyCare Housing Supports Provider Readiness Program (HSPRP) for State Fiscal Year 2025.

"Stable housing is a critical social determinant of health," said DCA Commissioner Jacquelyn A. Suárez. "This initiative represents an important step in New Jersey's comprehensive approach to addressing homelessness while improving health outcomes for our most vulnerable residents."

The grant program is part of a collaborative effort between DCA's Office of Homelessness Prevention (OHP) and the NJ Division of Medical Assistance and Health Services (DMAHS) to help establish housing supports for NJ FamilyCare members experiencing housing insecurity and homelessness.

"People's basic needs are not siloed. Health and healthcare treatments are undermined when residents do not have stable housing,” said Human Services Commissioner Sarah Adelman. "This program will create opportunities for organizations to deliver supportive housing services, which when combined with our affordable housing efforts, focuses on treating the needs of the whole person to improve outcomes, create healthier residents and stronger communities."

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New Jersey Announces Proposed Regulatory Change to Promote Health Care Integration and Improve Patient Care

The New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) announced proposed rules creating a single, integrated license for outpatient health care facilities. This landmark reform – achieved in conjunction with the New Jersey Department of Human Services – will cut historical red tape and enable providers to deliver integrated primary care, mental health, and addiction treatment services. This comprehensive, whole-person approach is proven to deliver improved health outcomes and better patient experience. 

“Mental health is health. Patients deserve to get the care they need in a fully coordinated way, and without having to jump through unnecessary hoops of an overcomplicated system,” said Health Commissioner Kaitlan Baston, MD, MSc, DFASAM. “For too long, separate rules for primary care, mental health, and addiction treatment created artificial barriers between types of care. The integrated license breaks down those walls to support truly patient-centered care, a major win and a big step toward tackling the mental health crisis in our country.” 

“Integrating care is essential for supporting a person’s physical and behavioral health needs and we know it improves patient experience and health outcomes, particularly for individuals receiving treatment for mental health and substance use,” Human Services Commissioner Sarah Adelman said. “This new approach simplifies access to care by removing unnecessary barriers, enabling providers to deliver the comprehensive services that individuals need in one convenient location. It’s a crucial step forward in enhancing our state's behavioral health system and ensuring that all New Jerseyans receive the compassionate, coordinated care they deserve.”

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