Asm. Greg McGuckin

Maddy summaryThis bill reinstates a $500 minimum fine for underage possession or consumption of alcohol or cannabis in locations like schools, public places, or vehicles. It removes prior provisions that allowed written warnings for first and second offenses and community referrals for third offenses, replacing them with a direct disorderly person offense penalty. Now, any violation by an individual under the legal age for purchasing alcohol or cannabis will result in a minimum $500 fine. The bill directly affects underage individuals found in possession or consumption in the specified locations.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A 298) expands definitions of riot and disorderly conduct, increasing penalties for related offenses. It makes it a third-degree crime to participate in riots involving weapons or causing property damage/injury (previously fourth-degree), and creates a new fourth-degree crime for desecrating public monuments during riots. The bill also enhances penalties for assaulting specific protected groups, including police, firefighters, school staff, and emergency medical personnel, during riot-related incidents. It directly affects individuals engaging in violent assemblies, damaging public monuments, or attacking designated personnel during such events.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey employers to verify the work authorization of all employees using the federal E-Verify system. It prohibits employers from knowingly employing unauthorized aliens and imposes a $10,000 penalty per violation. Employers found in violation must terminate unauthorized employment, submit quarterly E-Verify reports for three years, and pay fines to the state general fund. The law targets employers who hire undocumented workers, aiming to protect legal residents' job opportunities and state tax revenues.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires motor fuel terminals and wholesalers to maintain backup power for 72 hours during disasters, with inspections by building officials. It also mandates that new or substantially renovated gas stations, and existing stations with eight or more pumps near evacuation routes, be pre-wired for backup power by December 2022. Additionally, the bill establishes a state program to certify retail gas stations to supply fuel to emergency responders and the public during declared emergencies. These requirements directly affect fuel storage facilities, gas stations, and participating retail dealers.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a "reasonableness standard" for individuals lawfully transporting firearms under existing exemptions (such as police officers, security personnel, or others permitted to carry firearms for specific duties) when they deviate from their intended travel route. It requires that any deviation must be reasonable and necessary, such as for an emergency stop or legitimate purpose, rather than arbitrary. The standard applies to all current exemptions in New Jersey law and does not change who is permitted to carry firearms for their job. The bill clarifies when a detour during lawful firearm transport remains compliant with state law.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A1108) requires all veterinary facilities in New Jersey - including hospitals, clinics, and any location practicing veterinary medicine - to register with the State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners and undergo an annual inspection. These inspections are mandatory and separate from any existing inspections conducted to address complaints or suspected violations. The law applies to both fixed and mobile facilities where veterinary services are provided. The requirements will take effect 180 days after the bill is enacted.

Maddy summaryACR 22 proposes a constitutional amendment requiring New Jersey to fund public school districts (excluding special education) with equal per-pupil state aid. This would change current funding practices where aid per student varies significantly between districts. The amendment specifies the state would not be required to set minimum or maximum funding levels for districts. If approved by voters, it would amend the state constitution to mandate this equal per-pupil funding approach for general school support.

Maddy summaryThis bill, "CJ's Law" (A 1617), would criminalize the manufacture, sale, and possession of substances containing kratom in New Jersey. It directly affects individuals who use or sell kratom products, including those who currently purchase or consume kratom for personal use. The key mechanism is amending New Jersey's controlled substances law (N.J.S.2C:35-2) to explicitly include kratom as a prohibited substance under the definition of "controlled dangerous substances." The bill is pending before the Assembly Consumer Affairs Committee and has not yet become law.

Maddy summaryThis bill, formally titled "Imprisoning Illegal Aliens Act" but actually repealing New Jersey's current ban, would allow state/local governments and private detention facilities to enter into agreements for detaining noncitizens under civil immigration law. Currently, New Jersey law prohibits such agreements (for contracts related to housing or detaining noncitizens for immigration violations), but this bill removes that restriction. The key change is replacing "shall not" with "may" for entering these agreements, effective immediately upon passage. It directly affects New Jersey's counties, sheriffs, municipalities, and private detention facilities that previously could not participate in immigration detention contracts.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands New Jersey school district policies to allow graduating high school students who are active military members or have enlisted to wear a military sash or stole (issued by their service branch) during graduation ceremonies, in addition to the existing allowance for military dress uniforms. It directly affects students who have met all diploma requirements and are eligible to participate in graduation, specifically those affiliated with the U.S. Armed Forces. The key provision amends existing law to include sashes and stoles - worn over graduation robes - as permitted attire, while maintaining the requirement that students must be active members who completed basic training. The bill does not change eligibility requirements but broadens the types of military-issued items students may display.