Asm. Paul Kanitra

Maddy summaryThis bill updates New Jersey's legal terminology by replacing "child pornography" with "child sexual abuse or exploitation material" (CSAEM) throughout state statutes. The change affects multiple sections of law including those related to crimes, sex offender registration, employment disqualifications, and educational programs. The purpose is to use more accurate language that reflects the reality of these crimes and avoids implying consent from victims. The sponsor states this terminology update is not intended to change the substance of the law, but to make the language more consistent with current understanding and international standards. The bill corrects technical inconsistencies in existing statutes while maintaining the same legal protections and penalties.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases penalties for assaulting law enforcement officers, firefighters, and emergency medical personnel. If bodily injury occurs, assaulting a law enforcement officer would become a second-degree crime (5-10 years in prison) rather than third-degree under current law. The bill also requires offenders to submit to testing for communicable diseases when assaulting these professionals, with positive results shared with the victim. It expands the list of protected professionals to include firefighters and emergency medical personnel under the assault with bodily fluids provision. These changes would apply to offenses occurring after the bill's effective date.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution (ACR 143) urges Congress to pass the "Presidential Security Resources Reimbursement Act of 2024" (H.R.9332). It seeks to create a federal reimbursement program for state and local governments covering public safety costs during visits by major presidential and vice-presidential candidates. The resolution explains that current security coordination with the Secret Service places undue financial burdens on New Jersey municipalities, as they currently fund personnel, equipment, and facilities without federal reimbursement. The proposed federal bill would authorize the Secretary of Homeland Security to reimburse states and localities for these expenses during candidate events. The resolution emphasizes this would improve coordination with the Secret Service while easing financial strain on local governments.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's A4774 "Enhanced ID Act" requires the Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) to create and issue enhanced driver's licenses and non-driver ID cards that meet federal standards for border crossings into Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean. These IDs include security features like machine-readable barcodes and encrypted radio frequency technology, and serve as proof of identity and citizenship for land/sea border crossings. Applicants must provide citizenship documentation, Social Security numbers, photographs, and pay a $30 application fee (renewal is $15), with false statements carrying third-degree crime penalties. The bill applies to all New Jersey residents seeking these specific IDs, which operate alongside standard licenses but add federal border compliance.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's A2402 authorizes special license plates for active and honorably separated U.S. Coast Guard members, their spouses, parents, and business owners they control. Applicants pay a $50 one-time fee and $10 annual renewal fee, with proceeds funding a dedicated "Coast Guard License Plate Fund" that annually allocates money to the U.S. Coast Guard. The plates must display the Coast Guard seal and design approved by the Motor Vehicle Commission in consultation with the Coast Guard. Implementation requires 500 pre-paid applications and $25,000 in initial funding from the Coast Guard or private donors before plates can be issued.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's Assembly Resolution 155 (AR 155) is a symbolic resolution urging federal action regarding education policies for undocumented students. It asks Congress to remove federal courts' jurisdiction over cases involving state laws requiring undocumented students to pay tuition (similar to taxes paid by citizens), or alternatively, asks the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn its 1981 *Plyler v. Doe* ruling that prohibits states from denying public education to undocumented children. The resolution argues that states, not federal courts, should have constitutional authority (under the 10th Amendment) to determine education funding and policies for their residents. It does not create new law but seeks to influence federal or judicial action on this specific education policy matter.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to publicly share a website link to natural resource damage assessment reports and restoration plans whenever settling cases under the Spill Compensation and Control Act. Specifically, DEP must publish this link in the New Jersey Register and on its website at least 60 days before approving a settlement that addresses natural resource damages. This applies to settlements involving environmental harm to resources like waterways or wildlife, making details about cleanup plans more accessible to the public. The requirement builds on existing rules that already mandate publishing basic settlement details like case names and payment amounts. It directly affects DEP, settlement parties, and the public seeking transparency about environmental cleanup efforts.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows state, county, and municipal authorities to designate "special event zones" around large automotive events (defined as events with 25+ attendees or approved by local government) for traffic regulation. Within these zones, authorities may temporarily reduce speed limits for safety and prohibit "exhibition driving" (reckless maneuvers like excessive skidding, engine noise, or roof riding). Violations of traffic rules - including speeding, careless driving, or exhibition driving - within these zones carry increased fines up to $1,000, or up to 60 days in jail for reckless driving. The zones remain active during the event and for a reasonable period before/after, with required signage informing the public of reduced speeds and penalties.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Governor, with input from the Education Commissioner, to take steps protecting the state's educational authority from federal interference. Key provisions mandate challenging federal actions that limit state education control, challenging the Supreme Court's *Plyler v. Doe* decision (which prohibits denying public education funding to undocumented children) when possible, and supporting local efforts to preserve resources for U.S. citizens. It directly affects how New Jersey engages with federal education policies and could influence access to public education for undocumented students. The law takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands New Jersey's disability parking program to include individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or dementia who have limited, impaired, or unsafe walking ability. It adds this condition to the existing definition of "person with a disability" for parking privileges, requiring certification from a physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner. Eligible individuals and their caregivers can then obtain the standard disability placard or license plates displaying the wheelchair symbol. This change allows them to use reserved parking spaces without altering current requirements for obtaining the placard or plates.