Asm. Gerry Scharfenberger

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 extends the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman's authority to handle complaints about abuse or exploitation involving elderly residents in senior housing communities. It specifically requires the ombudsman to "elicit, receive, process, respond to, and resolve" such complaints in "age-restricted developments," defined as communities complying with federal housing rules for older persons. The change directly affects elderly residents living in these senior housing communities and ensures they have a dedicated channel for addressing safety concerns. The bill amends existing law to add this complaint resolution duty without altering the ombudsman's other core functions or creating new funding requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Attorney General to create an educational program about state and federal human trafficking crimes, aimed at informing the public. It directly affects the Attorney General's office, which must use $75,000 in state funds to develop and run this program. The key provision is the mandatory public education initiative, funded through a specific appropriation, to raise awareness about trafficking offenses under both state and federal law. The bill does not change existing trafficking laws but focuses on public information. It was introduced in January 2026 and refers to the Assembly Public Safety Committee.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to create a permit program for sonar testing in state waters. It directly affects entities conducting sonar testing (like research or industry groups), except for the military or emergency situations. Applicants must submit a study assessing impacts on marine life and mitigation plans before receiving a permit, which is valid for one year. The DEP must suspend permits immediately if sonar causes marine mammal harm and investigate the incident, with findings published online.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey bill A 854 would change how courts handle child custody cases involving domestic violence. It creates a rebuttable presumption against granting custody or visitation rights to a parent if there's clear evidence of domestic violence - including coercive control (a pattern of controlling behavior) - or if a child or parent reasonably fears imminent danger from the other parent. The bill expands the list of factors courts must consider, requiring them to specifically state why they're overriding this presumption. This directly affects parents in custody disputes where domestic violence is alleged and ensures courts prioritize child safety by making it harder to grant custody without addressing safety concerns.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a 3-year pilot program requiring counties to create "Code Red" alert systems for extreme heat or poor air quality events. It directly affects at-risk individuals (defined as those living outdoors or in poorly insulated settings) by mandating counties to coordinate cooling centers, outreach plans, and transportation through municipal and social service partners. Alerts trigger when the National Weather Service issues a heat advisory or air quality index reaches 151, with counties reporting program outcomes to the State Office of Emergency Management by the 30th month. The program expires after three years, with counties eligible for reimbursement of administrative costs. (Note: Bill was withdrawn January 13, 2026, as it was incorporated into P.L.2025, c.297.)

Maddy summaryThis bill requires dental clinics operated by public university dental schools (like Rutgers) to give priority scheduling to 100% disabled veterans seeking oral health care. It mandates that clinics schedule appointments for these veterans within 30 days of their request, ensuring timely access to treatment. The policy directly affects veterans who are permanently 100% disabled per U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs adjudication and reside in New Jersey. The law applies to all public institution dental clinics participating in extramural networks, with rules to be developed by the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases penalties for carjacking and establishes a presumption of pretrial detention for specific offenses. It upgrades carjacking to a first-degree crime with mandatory 10-30 year sentences and a 5-year parole ineligibility period (N.J.S. 2C:15-2). For theft by deception involving a motor vehicle when the victim is a minor, it adds penalties under N.J.S. 2C:20-4 and creates a court presumption requiring pretrial detention if charged with either carjacking or this theft offense. The presumption means courts must assume detention is necessary unless the defendant proves otherwise, applying to cases involving carjacking (per P.L.1993, c.221) or theft from minors.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 872) prohibits requiring proof of COVID-19 vaccination or asking about vaccination status as a condition for accessing many services or activities. It directly affects individuals who have not been vaccinated by making it illegal for employers, schools, healthcare providers, businesses, and public venues to deny access, employment, or services based on vaccine status or refusal to disclose it. Key provisions ban such requirements across 15 areas, including employment, education, healthcare, business entry, and public spaces. Violators face civil penalties of $25,000 plus attorney fees for each violation. The bill is currently pending before the Assembly Community Development and Women's Affairs Committee.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Labor and Workforce Development (DOLWD) to create two key plans: an IT stress test to evaluate system resilience during crises, and an emergency telework program for employees. The IT test must identify technology weaknesses exposed during the pandemic and propose solutions to modernize systems within five years after the state's public health emergency ends. DOLWD must also establish a consistent telework program that considers employee requests while aligning with agency needs during emergencies. The department must report its findings and cost estimates to the Governor and Legislature within six months of completing each IT test.