Corrado Moves Flurry Of Bills In Senate: Schools, Deepfakes, Security

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — A Republican lawmaker who represents several towns in Essex County has managed to advance a flurry of bills in the New Jersey Senate over the past few weeks.

According to New Jersey Senate Republicans, several proposed laws from Sen. Kristin Corrado (NJ-40) have recently taken a step forward in the halls of Trenton.

The 40th District includes the Essex County towns of Caldwell, Essex Fells, Fairfield, North Caldwell, Verona and West Caldwell. It also includes several towns in Bergen and Passaic counties.

Here are some of the latest bills authored or co-authored by Corrado:

CELL PHONES IN SCHOOLS

A bill that Corrado sponsored with Democrat Paul Moriarty (NJ-4) would require the New Jersey Department of Education to develop a cell phone and social media policy to be adopted in schools.

The Senate unanimously passed S-3695 on Jan. 14. A companion bill awaits further review in the New Jersey Assembly.

“In today’s day and age, cell phones and social media have advanced far from their original concepts and, unfortunately, have been widely reported as heavy contributors to the youth mental health crisis,” Corrado said.

“With this policy, students will be able to better focus on their schoolwork and we can help ensure our children do not fall victim to the perils of social media at such a young age,” the senator added.

ILLEGAL ‘DEEPFAKES’

Another bipartisan bill sponsored by Corrado and Moriarty would establish criminal penalties for people who create or distribute “deepfakes” for an unlawful purpose, including creators of so-called “revenge porn.”

Deepfakes – which are digitally-generated with the aid of artificial intelligence or other technology – can cause serious harm, the senator said.

If convicted, the creator or distributor of deepfake media could face imprisonment for a term of three to five years, a fine of up to $15,000, or both. The bill provides that a court may impose a larger fine up to $30,000. Additionally, the creator or distributor of unlawful deepfake media would also be civilly liable to the person depicted in the audio or visual media under the bill.

The bill passed a Senate vote on Jan. 30.

“The public sharing of unlawfully generated 'deepfakes' can be just as devastating for a victim as having a real form of media disseminated without their consent,” Corrado said. “This is especially true in cases where artificial intelligence has been used to create pornography.”

“We have an ethical responsibility to uphold transparency in the digital age,” Corrado said. “This bipartisan legislation would take a crucial step forward to protect individuals from the damaging effects of deceptive AI generated media by holding bad actors accountable.”

• See Related: AI-Created ‘Deepfake Porn’ Is A Threat, New Jersey Lawmakers Say

LICENSE PLATE FEES FOR EMERGENCY RESPONDERS

The Senate Transportation Committee passed a bill sponsored by Corrado and fellow Republican Anthony Bucco (NJ-25) last week.

The legislation, S-3366, recognizes the critical contributions of first responders by eliminating the $15 plate fee currently charged by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission.

According to Corrado, the specialty license plates serve as a symbol of pride and service for those who dedicate their time and efforts to protecting New Jersey’s communities.

First responders put their lives on the line every day, often as volunteers, to ensure the safety and well-being of others,” said Senator Kristin M. Corrado. “Removing this financial burden is a small but important way we can show our gratitude for their dedication and service.”

The bill has advanced to the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee.

JUVENILE DELINQUENCY CASES

A bill sponsored by Corrado and Democrat Patrick Diegnan Jr. (NJ-18) has passed a vote in the Senate. It would require juveniles who are accused of a delinquency to appear before the court in the county where the alleged delinquency occurred.

“Our justice system should be most convenient for the victims of crimes, not the offenders,” Corrado said.

“Unfortunately, as the law is currently written in regards to juvenile delinquency cases, that convenience is often granted to the offender,” the senator added, pushing for S-3190. “This bill will right that wrong and mandate that the court that hears the case will be in the county where the offense was committed.”

A companion bill awaits further review in the New Jersey Assembly.

CYBERSECURITY

A cybersecurity bill for schools and government agencies was passed by the Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee on Jan. 30.

If S-3313 crosses the finish line, the New Jersey Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Cell (NJCCIC) would be required to audit the cybersecurity programs of municipalities, counties, and school districts within 30 days of a reported cybersecurity incident. The bill also mandates that all municipal, county, and school district employees complete a cybersecurity awareness training program.

“Cybersecurity is more than just a technological issue; it’s about safeguarding our communities, protecting sensitive data, and ensuring that essential public services continue to function in the face of escalating cyber threats,” Corrado said.

The bill has been referred to the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee.

LICENSE PLATES FOR WOMEN VETERANS

The Senate Transportation Committee recently passed legislation sponsored by Corrado and fellow Republican Carmen Amato Jr. (NJ-9) that would authorize the Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) to issue license plates designed for women military veterans.

The design would include a silhouette of a woman saluting against a U.S. flag background, with the words “Woman Veteran” on the plate. Applicants would have to provide a DD-214 or Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty to qualify for a plate.

“This license plate was designed by one of our constituents and is a step towards ensuring women veterans are not only seen but celebrated for their selfless contributions to our military,” Corrado said.

S-3907 has been referred to the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee for further review.

TOXIC SHOCK SYNDROME

Legislation sponsored by Corrado and fellow Republican Declan O’Scanlon (NJ-13) passed a vote in the Senate Education Committee on Jan. 30.

The bill, S-1659, would require the Commissioner of Education to provide school districts with "age appropriate" instruction on menstrual toxic shock syndrome, and requires certain public restrooms to incorporate signage alerting women to the warning signs, causes and dangers of the condition.

Menstrual toxic shock syndrome is a rare, potentially fatal condition caused by bacterial infection, commonly associated with tampon use.

“Public health education should be comprehensive and proactive, and this bill does just that by addressing an often overlooked condition,” Corrado said. “Teaching students about menstrual toxic shock syndrome is an important move towards greater awareness and safety for women everywhere.”

The bill has been referred to the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee for further review.

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