Asm. Paul Kanitra

Maddy summaryThis bill raises the penalty for drivers who flee the scene of a traffic accident causing death from a second-degree crime to a first-degree crime in New Jersey. Currently, this offense carries up to 10 years in prison and a $150,000 fine; the bill increases the maximum sentence to 20 years in prison and a $200,000 fine. The law clarifies that drivers cannot avoid punishment by claiming they were unaware the accident caused a death, as knowledge of the death is not required for conviction. It applies directly to motor vehicle operators who leave the scene of a fatal crash without providing identification, assistance, or contacting authorities.

Maddy summaryThis bill lowers the monetary threshold for motor vehicle theft to be classified as a second-degree crime. Currently, motor vehicle theft is second-degree if the vehicle is valued at $25,000 or more; the bill would reduce this threshold to a lower amount, meaning vehicles worth less than $25,000 but above the new threshold would now face second-degree penalties. This directly affects individuals convicted of stealing vehicles, potentially increasing criminal penalties for lower-value thefts. The key change modifies N.J.S.2C:20-2(b)(1)(a) to adjust the value threshold for grading theft offenses. The bill does not alter penalties for vehicles valued at $25,000 or more.

Maddy summaryThis bill reinstates penalties for underage alcohol possession and consumption that were removed by previous legislation. For first offenses, law enforcement issues written warnings to underage individuals (with parental notification if under 18), for second offenses they provide information about community services, and for third or subsequent offenses they issue written reports and refer individuals to community services. The bill reinstates a minimum $500 fine for violations and a 6-month driving privilege suspension for offenses committed in vehicles. It removes previous restrictions on law enforcement actions, including prohibitions against requesting consent for searches and taking photos or fingerprints, and eliminates the requirement for the Attorney General to report on underage alcohol violations.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands New Jersey's victim notification system to include domestic violence victims who have restraining orders. It requires automatic notifications through the VINE system whenever a defendant subject to a restraining order (for domestic violence) is released, transferred, or released on bail. The notification covers changes in custody status, such as release from jail or violation of the order. Victim location information remains confidential and is not shared with the defendant.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A3489) expands the definition of riot to include causing property damage or injury to others, making it a fourth-degree crime. It enhances penalties for destroying public monuments during riots (elevating it to a fourth-degree crime), and creates a new aggravated assault charge for harming anyone during a riot. The bill also establishes a new crime called "promotion of violent, disorderly assembly" for organizers, financiers, or managers of riot-related activities, with penalties including a mandatory 15-30 year prison sentence for first-degree offenses. These changes specifically apply to incidents occurring during riots or at the site of peaceful assemblies.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases penalties for smoking cannabis or marijuana on New Jersey public beaches. It raises fines to $500 for a first offense, $1,000 for a second, and $1,500 for subsequent offenses - up from $250/$500/$1,000 under current law. The bill specifically targets cannabis/marijuana smoking (not cigarettes) on public beaches, with 50% of collected fines funding state smoking cessation programs and 50% going to the local municipality. This change aims to address enforcement challenges in beach communities following recreational cannabis legalization.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires companies, corporations, manufacturers, and contract testing facilities in New Jersey that use cats, dogs, or ferrets for product testing or research to assess these animals for adoption suitability after testing ends. If suitable, the animals must be offered to animal rescue organizations or private individuals for adoption. The bill establishes procedures for documenting assessments and dispositions, requiring facilities to register with the Department of Health and report details about animal use, suitability, and adoption outcomes. Noncompliance could result in civil penalties of $10,000 for a first offense, $50,000 for a second, and potential injunctions against conducting further animal testing for a third offense.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases penalties for human trafficking involving children under 18 in New Jersey. It changes the punishment for any trafficking of a child (for sexual activity or forced labor) from a minimum 20-year sentence to life imprisonment without parole. Convicted individuals must also pay fines of at least $25,000, which fund a survivor assistance program. The law applies to all forms of child trafficking, regardless of whether the perpetrator mistakenly believed the child was 18 or older.

Maddy summaryThis bill exempts all New Jersey school districts spending below the state-defined adequacy level from reductions in state school aid. It removes the previous requirement that districts must be located in municipalities with tax rates above the state average (with a 10% threshold for non-SDA districts) to qualify for this exemption. Now, any district meeting the spending threshold - regardless of local tax rates - is protected from aid cuts. The change applies to the 2019-2020 through 2024-2025 school years and affects all school districts statewide.

Maddy summaryThis non-binding New Jersey Assembly Resolution (AR 96) formally condemns Hamas for its October 7, 2023, attacks on Israel and affirms support for Israel's right to exist. It specifically references Hamas's rocket attacks, killings of civilians (including infants and elderly), and hostage-taking, citing over 1,400 Israeli deaths. The resolution directs the state to send copies to Israel's Prime Minister, U.S. ambassadors to Israel and Israel, and New Jersey's congressional representatives. It serves as a symbolic statement of support from New Jersey's government, with no direct impact on citizens or policy changes.