TRENTON, N.J. – A new measure introduced in the New Jersey Senate would elevate cyber-harassment of public servants and their family members to a third-degree crime and create a statewide office to combat and prevent digital harassment. Senate Bill 3470, sponsored by Senator Brian P. Stack (D-Hudson), was filed in June and aims to protect officials and their families from escalating online threats and abuse.
The bill amends New Jersey’s existing cyber-harassment law, which currently treats most offenses as fourth-degree crimes. Under the proposal, any online harassment directed at a public servant—or anyone in that person’s household—would carry tougher penalties, including possible imprisonment of three to five years and fines of up to $15,000. The change would place cyber-harassment of public employees on the same level as aggravated forms of digital abuse against minors.
The legislation defines “public servant” broadly to include elected officials, government employees, judicial officers, jurors, advisors, and consultants performing public duties. It excludes witnesses. Courts would also be permitted to infer intent to harass if the content of the online behavior clearly relates to a public servant’s official role.
New state office to address cyber-harassment
Beyond the criminal penalty upgrade, S3470 directs the Attorney General to establish an Office of Cyber-Harassment Support within the Division of Violence Intervention and Victim Assistance under the Department of Law and Public Safety. The office would coordinate prevention, education, and victim support services across New Jersey.
The proposed office would have broad responsibilities, including developing public awareness campaigns, helping victims report incidents through accessible systems, providing legal and counseling assistance, and working with technology companies to improve moderation of harassing content. It would also encourage social media platforms to strengthen their reporting tools and cooperate with law enforcement investigations.
Coordinated prevention and education programs
The legislation calls for close collaboration between the new office, law enforcement agencies, and schools. Among its duties, the office would coordinate with the Department of Education to promote cyber ethics and responsible online behavior in classrooms, while also establishing specialized cyber-harassment units within police departments and offering technical training for digital evidence collection.
The office would be authorized to apply for federal and private grants and to use appropriated state funds, as certified by the Attorney General and approved by the Division of Budget and Accounting. The bill does not specify a funding amount but directs the Department of Law and Public Safety to allocate resources as needed for implementation.
Legislative intent and next steps
Senator Stack’s bill reflects growing concern over threats, doxxing, and online intimidation aimed at public employees across multiple levels of government. Supporters argue that stronger penalties and dedicated support infrastructure are necessary to address harassment fueled by social media and emerging technologies.
If enacted, the measure would take effect immediately, establishing the Office of Cyber-Harassment Support and upgrading the offense to a third-degree crime. It would mark one of New Jersey’s most comprehensive efforts to protect public officials and their families from targeted digital abuse.