Asm. Erik Simonsen

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the "New Jersey Pandemic Bill of Rights for the Welfare of Individuals," granting specific protections to all New Jersey residents during pandemics, disease outbreaks, or public health emergencies. It requires health care facilities to safeguard nursing home residents and those with preexisting conditions, ensure proper medical evaluation before discharge, provide adequate care and therapies, allow family visitation, and maintain attorney access as essential services. The Commissioner of Health must publish these rights online, and all health care facilities must post them prominently. The bill directly affects vulnerable populations like nursing home residents and patients in medical facilities, aiming to prevent repeat of issues seen during the COVID-19 pandemic, such as restricted family access and inadequate care.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey police departments to donate unclaimed bicycles to tax-exempt nonprofit organizations instead of selling them at auction. To qualify, the bicycle must have been found by a police officer acting in the line of duty, with the owner unknown or refusing to claim it after six months. Municipalities must approve the donation through an annual resolution listing eligible nonprofits, which must be exempt from federal income tax under section 501(c)(3). This changes current law requiring unclaimed bicycles to be sold at auction, redirecting them to community organizations that refurbish and distribute bikes to residents.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 2658) prohibits New Jersey's state pension and annuity funds from investing in Chinese pharmaceutical companies or any company with business ties to them. It directly affects the state's pension funds managed by the Division of Investment, requiring them to divest existing holdings within three years. Key mechanisms include annual reporting to the legislature on divestment progress and requiring the State Investment Council to consult with an independent research firm to identify affected investments. The bill is pending before the New Jersey Assembly (introduced January 13, 2026) and does not yet take effect.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes how New Jersey allocates revenue from hotel and motel occupancy fees, directing 100% of the funds to arts, historical heritage, and tourism programs instead of the previous 40%. It specifies exact percentages: 56.7% for the State Council on the Arts (with a minimum $31.9 million annually after 2021), 9.6% for the Historical Commission ($5.5 million minimum), 31.9% for tourism advertising ($17.6 million minimum), and 1.8% for the Cultural Trust ($720,000 minimum). The bill directly affects hotels, motels, and online booking platforms (like Airbnb) that collect and remit this fee. It ensures these funds are legally required to be spent on designated cultural and tourism purposes, with minimum annual allocations.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's A1435 creates a 21-member working group to coordinate the safe removal of abandoned vessels along the state's coastline, directly affecting coastal municipalities struggling with derelict boats - especially those impacted by Hurricane Sandy. The bill establishes a $25 million "Abandoned Vessels Fund" administered by the State Treasurer to reimburse municipalities for removal costs under a new program. Key provisions include annual reporting requirements for the working group, mandatory cooperation from state agencies, and strict rules to prevent fund diversion without legislative approval. This policy change provides concrete financial and structural support for communities to address environmental hazards and navigational risks posed by abandoned vessels.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows high school students in grades 10-12 who participate in school sports to substitute study hall for physical education during their sport's athletic season, provided they meet specific academic criteria. Eligible students must either be enrolled in advanced courses (like AP or dual enrollment) or need academic support due to low performance, as determined by the school. The substitution requires written approval from parents, coach certification of sport participation, and counselor approval confirming eligibility. Students retain full physical education graduation credit for their athletic participation, but the change only applies during the sport's season and does not affect PE requirements for non-athletes or younger grades.

Maddy summaryThis proposed New Jersey bill (A 3379) increases penalties for illegal street racing on public highways. For a first offense, fines rise to $100-$200 (up from $25-$100); for a second offense, fines increase to $200-$300 (up from $100-$200). For a third or subsequent offense, the bill requires impounding the vehicle for at least 96 hours, with owners reclaiming it by providing proof of registration/insurance and paying towing/storage fees. If unclaimed within 30 days, the vehicle may be sold at auction, with excess proceeds returned to the owner or managed under unclaimed property law. The bill is currently pending before the Assembly Public Safety Committee.

Maddy summaryThis bill removes an exemption in New Jersey's Smoke-Free Air Act that previously allowed smoking in casinos and casino simulcasting facilities. Currently, these venues could permit smoking in areas used for gambling (like slot machine rooms or table games), but the bill would eliminate that exception. After passage, all indoor areas of casinos and simulcasting facilities open to the public for gambling would be required to be smoke-free. This change aligns these venues with the state's general indoor smoking ban, which applies to most public workplaces and spaces.

Maddy summaryThis bill allocates $450,000 from the "Drug Enforcement and Demand Reduction Fund" (funded by fines from drug offenders) to support the Hooked on Fishing-Not on Drugs Program. The program, administered by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, uses free fishing events to engage youth in drug prevention activities. The bill requires the state to ensure annual funding from this fund or other sources to maintain the program's operations. It does not create new policy but secures dedicated funding for an existing youth outreach initiative.

Maddy summaryACR 11 proposes a constitutional amendment allowing New Jersey municipalities to offer a partial property tax exemption on the primary residence of eligible 9/11 first responders. It would specifically apply to police officers, firefighters, and EMTs disabled due to medical conditions certified as related to their work at the World Trade Center site after the 2001 terrorist attack. The exemption would cover the first 15% of a home's assessed value, with municipalities required to enact it via local ordinance after the Legislature passes implementing legislation. The state would not reimburse municipalities for lost tax revenue from this exemption. This amendment requires voter approval before any such local ordinances can be adopted.