New NJ law aims to better protect domestic violence and stalking victims

Gov. Mikie Sherrill signed a new law Thursday meant to help domestic violence and stalking victims by requiring social media and communications companies to more quickly comply with investigators’ search warrants seeking digital information.

The new law amends the New Jersey Wiretapping and Electronic Surveillance Control Act to require social media platforms to respond within 72 hours of receiving search warrants related to investigations of domestic abuse, stalking, and violations of protective orders. Providers of phone, internet, and other communications get five business days to comply.

Assemblywomen Marisa Sweeney (D-Morris), Heather Simmons (D-Gloucester), and Luanne Peterpaul (D-Monmouth) sponsored the measure.

“For victims of domestic violence and stalking, every day spent waiting for information can feel like an eternity,” Sweeney said in a statement. “We know that sometimes the most critical evidence is stored online, and when investigators can’t get to that information quickly, it can slow down the efforts in place to protect victims and stop abuse before it escalates even more.”

Peterpaul said the new law helps the justice system keep up with the digital age.

“While digitization has changed the way crimes are committed, it must also change the way they are investigated,” Peterpaul said in a statement.

The law is modeled after “Kristil’s Law” in Oregon, which lawmakers passed earlier this year. That law was inspired by Kristil Krug, whose husband Daniel digitally stalked, harassed, and impersonated her ex-boyfriend before murdering her in their Colorado home in 2023.