In one paragraph
New Jersey's A5603 would bar anyone who develops or deploys an AI system in New Jersey from advertising or representing to the public that it is, or can act as, a licensed mental health professional. A violation would be an unlawful practice under the Consumer Fraud Act. Introduced May 5, 2025. A bill of the Legislature's 2024-2025 session, which ended January 13, 2026.
Plain-English summary, written with AI assistance. The official text controls.
What it means for business
Developers and deployers of AI would need to avoid presenting systems as licensed mental health professionals; violations would be Consumer Fraud Act unlawful practices.
Key provisions
- Sec. 1a: no advertising or representing an AI system as a licensed mental health professional
- Sec. 1b: a violation is an unlawful practice under the Consumer Fraud Act
- The bill's Statement (not its operative text) says Consumer Fraud Act violations are punishable by up to $10,000 for a first offense and $20,000 for later offenses, and can bring cease and desist orders, punitive damages and treble damages
- Sec. 1c: defines 'artificial intelligence' and 'licensed mental health professional' by reference to listed professional boards
- Sec. 2: takes effect on the first day of the sixth month after enactment
Latest legislative action
Jun 16, 2025. Reported out of Assembly Committee, 2nd Reading
Sponsors
| Name | Role | District |
|---|---|---|
| Dan Hutchison D | Sponsor | HD-004 |
| David Bailey D | Sponsor | HD-003 |
| Luanne Peterpaul D | Sponsor | HD-011 |
| Margie Donlon D | Sponsor | HD-011 |
| William Sampson D | Sponsor | HD-031 |
Roll call votes
A Assembly Science, Innovation and Technology Committee: Reported Favorably Jun 16, 2025
5 yea0 nay2 otherPassed
Topics and industries
Related topics
Affected industries
This page is general information, not legal advice. Summaries are AI-assisted and may contain errors; read the statute for the controlling text and talk to a lawyer about your situation. Full disclaimer · Report an error