Asm. Gerry Scharfenberger

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's bill A 863 requires health care providers to give parents or guardians access to a minor's medical records without needing the minor's permission for most health care. However, it excludes records related to specific confidential treatments, such as care for sexually transmitted infections, HIV, substance abuse, or mental health, where the minor's consent to treatment is kept private. The law applies to unemancipated minors under 18 and takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires businesses selling lithium-ion electric vehicles in New Jersey to provide prospective buyers with a standardized disclosure statement. The statement must explain that lithium mining impacts ecosystems, lithium reserves are increasingly scarce, and identify the specific lithium source used in the vehicle's battery. Sellers must obtain a signed receipt from each buyer acknowledging receipt of this disclosure, with violations carrying civil penalties of $150 for first offenses and $300 for repeat violations. The bill is currently pending in the Assembly Consumer Affairs Committee, with implementation delayed until at least one year after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (AR 38) urges the U.S. Congress to repeal the $10,000 cap on the state and local tax (SALT) deduction established by the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. It directly affects New Jersey residents who itemize federal tax returns, as the average SALT deduction in New Jersey before the cap was $19,089 - nearly double the current limit. The resolution cites that New Jersey is a "donor state" (receiving only 79 cents back in federal funds for every dollar paid in federal taxes) and argues reinstating the unlimited deduction would address this tax disparity. As a resolution, it has no legal force but formally requests Congress take action.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill makes intentionally damaging or defacing military monuments a serious criminal offense (third-degree crime). It specifically targets monuments erected to honor military personnel or commemorate battles, defining "desecration" as defacing, damaging, or polluting such sites. The law applies directly to individuals who intentionally harm these monuments, with penalties including criminal charges. It clarifies that only monuments with military intent - such as those honoring service members or marking battles - are covered under this provision.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A 857) requires public school students to have their parent or guardian provide written consent before participating in health, family life education, or sex education programs. It directly affects students in public schools and changes current law, which allows parents to opt children out by submitting a statement about beliefs, to instead mandate written permission for participation. Under the bill, students whose parents do not provide written consent will be automatically excused from those specific lessons with no academic penalty. The law would take effect immediately upon passage, shifting the requirement from parental objection to active consent.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) to accept birth certificates, marriage certificates, social security cards, divorce decrees, or court orders as valid proof of a legal name change for driver's licenses. It extends the deadline for updating a license name from two weeks to six months after a name change (or until the next license renewal), removing previous barriers like requiring court orders for middle name changes. The bill also clarifies that digitized signature images count as handwritten signatures for license updates. This directly affects New Jersey drivers who have legally changed their names through marriage, divorce, or court order. The policy change simplifies the process for updating license information without requiring additional court documentation.

Maddy summaryAJR 29 directs New Jersey's Attorney General to investigate whether pedophile organizations use the internet to encourage sex offenders to violate state laws, specifically targeting groups promoting the legalization of sexual relationships between adults and minors. The bill requires the Attorney General to examine if such organizations recruit members online or use electronic means to influence sex offenders. The investigation must be completed within one year, with results reported to the Governor and Legislature. This resolution does not create new laws but mandates a review of existing online activities by these organizations.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes how desecration of public monuments, places of worship, or burial sites is punished based on financial damage. It raises the offense to a third-degree crime if the damage exceeds $2,000 (up to 5 years in prison), a fourth-degree crime for $500-$2,000 (up to 18 months), or a disorderly persons offense for under $500 (up to 6 months). It also adds desecration to New Jersey’s bias intimidation law, making it a higher-level offense if the act was motivated by bias against race, religion, sexual orientation, or other protected characteristics. These changes apply directly to individuals who intentionally damage venerated objects, with penalties increasing based on the financial harm caused.

Maddy summaryThis bill eliminates the $10 recreational shellfish license fee for New Jersey residents who are honorably discharged veterans or active duty members of the U.S. military. Currently, New Jersey residents under 62 must pay this fee to harvest shellfish (like clams, oysters, and mussels) for non-commercial use, with a daily limit of 150 shellfish. The amendment modifies state law to add veterans and active duty service members to the existing exemption list that already includes residents aged 62+. The change applies only to recreational licenses, not commercial licenses, and takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits transportation network companies (like Uber or Lyft) from using surge pricing during declared states of emergency, such as natural disasters. It bans any fare increase exceeding twice the normal rate for rides during these emergencies. The law applies to all prearranged rides booked through digital platforms and requires companies to disclose standard fares to riders beforehand. This directly protects riders from price spikes when they need transportation most during crises.