Asm. Gerry Scharfenberger

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits New Jersey public colleges and universities from requiring students to get vaccinated against COVID-19 or monkeypox if they never attend classes in person. It directly affects remote students at these institutions, ensuring vaccination cannot be a condition for admission or enrollment. The law takes immediate effect, removing vaccine mandates specifically for students with no physical presence on campus. Public higher education institutions must adjust their policies to comply with this requirement. The bill does not impact in-person students or other vaccination requirements.

Maddy summaryThis resolution establishes the Assembly Select Committee on COVID-19 Contact Tracing Data Privacy to examine how personal data collected through contact tracing during the pandemic is handled. The committee, made up of nine Assembly members (five appointed by the Speaker, four by the Minority Leader), will study data collection, storage, usage, and privacy safeguards to balance public health needs with individual privacy rights. It must submit findings and recommendations within 60 days of organizing, with the resolution ending 30 days after the report is delivered. The committee’s work will inform potential future policies on protecting contact tracing data privacy.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A2698) designates the "9/11 Heart Symbol flag" as an official New Jersey state flag for remembrance of the September 11, 2001 attacks. It requires the flag to be displayed during normal business hours on September 11th each year at all state-funded 9/11 memorial sites, the State House in Trenton, and the main municipal and county buildings in every municipality and county seat. The flag features a white banner with a red heart containing "9-11-01 Never Forgotten" and a twin-tower silhouette. The bill takes immediate effect and focuses solely on ceremonial recognition, with no new taxes or regulations.

Maddy summaryThis bill, "Murphy's Law," nullifies any emergency order, rule, or regulation issued by New Jersey's Governor to address a declared emergency if the Governor themselves violates that same rule. It creates an affirmative defense in court for anyone prosecuted for violating the Governor's emergency order - if the Governor committed the identical violation (e.g., breaking their own rule), the person cannot be convicted for that specific violation. The law applies to all enforcement of emergency rules under the existing emergency management statute (P.L.1942, c.251) and takes effect immediately, covering both past and future prosecutions. It directly affects individuals prosecuted for emergency rule violations, shifting legal accountability when the Governor breaches their own orders.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development, in consultation with the state's Science, Innovation and Technology Commission, to study how artificial intelligence affects the state's economy. The study must examine AI's impact on high-skill professions (like doctors and data analysts), industries most affected, implications for workforce education, emerging new jobs, and AI's effect on productivity and economic growth. Within one year of the bill's effective date, the Commissioner must submit a written report to the Governor and specific legislative committees detailing these findings. The bill does not make policy changes but mandates this study to inform future decisions about workforce development and economic planning.

Maddy summaryThis non-binding Assembly Resolution (AR 63) urges the Governor and Attorney General to provide state assistance to New Jersey municipalities dealing with unpermitted mass gatherings, commonly called "pop-up parties." It directly affects local governments struggling to manage sudden, large crowds in public spaces like beaches and parks, which often occur without advance notice and pose safety risks. The resolution requests state support to help municipalities prepare resources, hold organizers accountable, and prevent dangerous incidents like the 2022 Wildwood "street take over" that caused injuries and fatalities. It does not create new laws but calls for enhanced coordination and resources to address these spontaneous events.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 215) requires New Jersey public schools with grades 9-12 to hold two annual events. First, a 30-minute assembly in November (coinciding with Veterans Day) providing age-appropriate content about the U.S. military structure, veterans' contributions, ROTC, and service academies. Second, a separate veterans appreciation event, such as honoring veterans, featuring veteran speakers, or participating in military-focused educational activities. Schools must consult local veterans' associations to help plan the appreciation event. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment for the first full school year after passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies New Jersey's Consumer Fraud Act to set clearer requirements for consumers filing lawsuits. To win, plaintiffs must prove they acted like a reasonable consumer, that the business practice would mislead others similarly, and that they suffered actual, calculable harm. It also limits attorney fee awards to be fairly tied to the monetary judgment amount, or based on time spent if only non-monetary relief is granted. These changes aim to prevent lawsuits over minor or technical violations without proven consumer harm.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes New Jersey's immunization registry policy by requiring written parental or guardian consent for enrollment, instead of automatic registration. It directly affects parents/guardians of children under 18 and individuals over 18 who can opt out. Key provisions include: no automatic enrollment for newborns (replacing current automatic enrollment unless parents opt out), explicit written consent required for all minors, and strengthened privacy protections limiting registry access to authorized health providers and schools. The bill also prohibits discrimination against those who decline registry participation.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Garden State Guarantee Program, providing last-dollar financial aid grants to cover the net cost of tuition and fees for eligible students in their third and fourth years at New Jersey's four-year public colleges. It directly affects students with family or personal annual adjusted gross income between $0 and $100,000 (with possible annual adjustments), requiring them to apply for all other federal, state, and institutional aid first. The program covers up to 18 credits per semester after other grants are applied, ensuring students pay only what remains after other financial aid is deducted. It codifies an existing program while expanding income-based eligibility for the third and fourth years of study.