StateNew Jersey

A 4014: Establishes Social Media Research Center at four-year public institution of higher education.

Andrea KatzIntroduced

A 4014 status: Introduced — Approved P.L.2026, c.72 (updated Aug 11, 2026).

1

What this bill does

Overall score

Score85/100 civic fit
RiskLow risk
ImpactModerate impact 60/100

Bill summary

Official

Lawmakers are considering a plan to open a research center at a public college to study how social media works. The proposal is currently being debated in the state legislature.

Key analysis

Constitutionality95%
Bipartisan90%
Public opinion75%
2

Impact analysis

Environment

Mixed / Neutral
50%

Benefits

  • No direct impact on environmental policy.

Risks

  • No direct impact on environmental policy.

Economy

Mixed / Neutral
55%

Benefits

  • Stimulates academic research activity and potential grant opportunities.
  • May lead to improved public health outcomes, reducing long-term social costs.

Risks

  • Dependent on uncertain annual state appropriations for operational functionality.

Society

Positive Outlook
75%

Benefits

  • Supports data-driven insights into youth mental health and online safety.
  • Provides free educational modules for state schools to improve digital literacy.

Risks

  • Potential for data privacy risks despite statutory safeguards.
3

How trustworthy & consequential it is

Source

LegiScan

Confidence

high

high

Analysis status

LegiScan full bill text

Warning

Data sharing between agencies and the center creates a consolidated data point that requires strict adherence to HIPAA and state privacy laws.

Limitation

Functionality is subject to annual legislative appropriations.

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Where it stands

1

Introduced

Current

Approved P.L.2026, c.72.

2

Committee

Upcoming
3

Floor

Upcoming
4

Governor

Upcoming
5

Enacted

Upcoming
5

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