New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

New Jersey Senate Bill S1336

Introduced
1/9/24  
Introduced
1/13/26  
Refer
1/9/24  

Caption

Establishes certain requirements for social media websites concerning content moderation practices; establishes cause of action against social media websites for violation of content moderation practices.

Impact

If enacted, S1336 would fundamentally change how individuals can prepare their wills, allowing for the use of electronic means while still requiring traditional safeguards such as witness signatures and notarizations to ensure authenticity. This aligns with recent trends in other states adopting similar electronic will legislation, potentially streamlining the will-making process and making it more accessible for individuals, especially those who may have difficulty executing a paper will.

Summary

Senate Bill S1336, known as the 'Uniform Electronic Wills Act', aims to allow the creation and execution of electronic wills under New Jersey law. The bill defines electronic wills and establishes specific requirements for their validity, including the necessity for signatures and the presence of witnesses at the time of signing. This move is intended to modernize the legal framework surrounding wills, acknowledging the increasing reliance on digital mediums for documentation.

Sentiment

The reception of the bill appears to be mixed among stakeholders. Proponents argue that it offers a pragmatic solution for contemporary issues of accessibility and efficiency in estate planning, while critics may raise concerns regarding the adequacy of digital means of signatory verification and the implications for estate disputes. Overall, the sentiment suggests a supportive stance for modernization, tempered by a cautious approach to implementation.

Contention

Key points of contention may focus on the bill's stipulations regarding witnessing the signing of electronic wills, as it mandates that witnesses sign in the physical presence of the testator, which places limitations on how electronic signatures can be authenticated. Opponents may argue this requirement could hinder the adoption of electronic wills, especially as technology evolves and methods of remote witnessing become more feasible.

Companion Bills

NJ A3844

Same As Establishes certain requirements for social media websites concerning content moderation practices; establishes cause of action against social media websites for violation of content moderation practices.

NJ S595

Carry Over Establishes certain requirements for social media websites concerning content moderation practices; establishes cause of action against social media websites for violation of content moderation practices.

NJ S421

Carry Over Establishes Statewide targets to reduce disposal of organic waste in landfills; requires DEP to adopt regulations to achieve targets.

NJ A5772

Carry Over Reduces time period during which certain prior offenses may be considered for sentencing purposes; permits first offenses to be removed from driving record in certain circumstances.

Previously Filed As

NJ S861

Establishes certain requirements for social media websites concerning content moderation practices; establishes cause of action against social media websites for violation of content moderation practices.

NJ S4105

"Social Media Fairness and Transparency Act"; establishes requirements for social media companies concerning content moderation practices; establishes cause of action against social media companies for violation of content moderation practices.

NJ A4768

"Social Media Fairness and Transparency Act"; establishes requirements for social media companies concerning content moderation practices; establishes cause of action against social media companies for violation of content moderation practices.

NJ A530

"Stop Social Media Censorship Act"; creates private right of action for users of social media websites whose political or religious speech has been deleted or censored by social media websites.

NJ HB170

Social media content; trust required for certain minors who are performers or featured in social media content, calculation of compensation and designation of trustee for trust provided for, procedure for adult to request removal of social media content featuring themselves as a minor required for social media companies, cause of action created against certain individuals who fail to comply with trust and social media content requirements

NJ A3000

Prohibits selective suspension of candidates for elective office by social media websites.

NJ SB2436

Social media; set certain requirements against content depicting tobacco or nicotine for minors.

NJ SB1727

Social media; authorizing certain cause of action against social media companies; establishing criteria to recover certain damages; authorizing certain rebuttable presumption. Effective date.

NJ S00825

Establishes protections for minors who are featured in compensated video content that generate earnings from being shared on social media or other video-sharing websites.

NJ A00774

Establishes protections for minors who are featured in compensated video content that generate earnings from being shared on social media or other video-sharing websites.

Similar Bills

PA HB1970

In general provisions, further providing for definitions; and, in licensing of drivers, further providing for issuance and content of driver's license and for carrying and exhibiting driver's license on demand.

CA AB1800

Portable electronics and optical products insurance.

TX SB1531

Relating to the electronic payment of ad valorem taxes; authorizing a fee.

PA SB861

In general provisions, further providing for definitions; and, in licensing of drivers, further providing for issuance and content of driver's license and for carrying and exhibiting driver's license on demand.

NJ S1336

The "Uniform Electronic Wills Act"; authorizes electronic wills.

NJ A3229

The "Uniform Electronic Wills Act"; authorizes electronic wills.

MD SB842

Electronic Smoking Devices - Seizure and Wholesaler Record-Keeping Requirements

NV AB18

Revises provisions relating to the electronic filing of certain documents. (BDR 5-469)