Asm. Gerry Scharfenberger

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new Organized Retail Theft Prosecution Unit within New Jersey's Department of Law and Public Safety to specifically address organized retail theft. The unit, led by a designated coordinator, will investigate and prosecute cases involving multiple retail thefts or repeat offenders, and assist county prosecutors in these efforts. County prosecutors must refer cases to the unit if a defendant has committed two or more retail thefts in New Jersey, one or more in New Jersey plus one or more in another state, or has prior retail theft convictions. The unit must annually report to the Governor and Legislature on its work, including prosecution statistics and recommendations to reduce retail theft.

Maddy summaryACR 60 proposes amending New Jersey's Constitution to permit public funds to be used for the historic preservation of places of worship, such as churches, as part of official preservation programs. This change directly addresses a recent court ruling that blocked Morris County from using taxpayer funds to repair historic churches under its preservation program, citing a constitutional "Religious Aid Clause" prohibition. The bill would remove this barrier by explicitly allowing such funding for religious sites with historical significance. It does not create new funding but modifies the constitutional restriction governing existing historic preservation programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits New Jersey school districts and public colleges/universities from adopting policies that block active-duty military members or veterans from speaking to students. It specifically bans restrictions on military/veteran speakers at school events, classes, assemblies, sports teams, clubs, or graduation ceremonies. Institutions that violate this law risk having state funding withheld by the Commissioner of Education (for schools) or the State Treasurer (for colleges). The bill requires school districts to forward requests from military/veterans to county superintendents and takes effect immediately.

Maddy summaryThis bill criminalizes occupying an empty or vacant home without the owner's permission, addressing what the bill calls "squatting." It creates three specific offenses: forcibly entering a vacant dwelling (housebreaking), taking up residence without permission (unlawful occupancy), and reentering after a court-ordered eviction (unlawful reentry). All are classified as fourth-degree crimes punishable by up to 18 months in jail or a $10,000 fine. The bill presumes a person knows they lack permission unless they provide a notarized rental agreement with the owner's contact details, changing the current process where owners must seek civil court eviction.

Maddy summaryThis bill permits police officers to be assigned to schools serving as polling places during elections, specifically for security purposes. School districts, election officials, or county clerks can request this police presence at school-based polling locations. Officers assigned for this role must not interfere with voters, and violating this rule would be a crime of the third degree. The law updates existing election statutes to explicitly allow such assignments at schools, clarifying that security at these sites is permitted under specific conditions.

Maddy summary"Madalyn's Law" requires New Jersey school districts to teach students in grades 4-12 about toxic shock syndrome (TSS) as part of health education, including causes, symptoms, and risk reduction. It also mandates that public restrooms with two or more toilets (excluding elementary schools' lower grades) display signs about TSS warning signs, causes, and dangers, placed near tampon dispensers or in prominent locations. Owners of affected facilities face $100 penalties per violation for non-compliance. The state Department of Health must create signage standards and provide public informational materials about TSS online. The law applies to all school districts and public restrooms meeting the specified criteria.

Maddy summaryAJR 51 designates July 8 of each year as "New Jersey Revolutionary War Remembrance Day" to honor the state's pivotal role in the American Revolution. The bill specifically references July 8, 1776 - the date the Declaration of Independence was first publicly read in New Jersey - and requests the Governor issue an annual proclamation encouraging public observance. It does not create new laws or affect specific groups but formally recognizes New Jersey's historical significance, including its 300+ Revolutionary War battles and sites like Jockey Hollow. This procedural resolution aims to promote awareness of the state's contributions to American independence.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health care facilities and providers to give parents or guardians access to a minor's medical records without needing the minor's permission. It applies to all unemancipated minors under 18, except in three specific cases: when a minor consents to treatment for a sexual assault (and the provider decides not to notify parents), for substance use disorder treatment, or for mental health treatment for minors aged 16+ seeking temporary outpatient care. The bill maintains existing exceptions that allow minors to keep certain sensitive treatments confidential. This change ensures parents are generally informed about their child's health while preserving privacy in critical situations.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Secretary of State to establish a statewide voter list maintenance and crosscheck program. The program must verify voter information by cross-checking the Statewide voter registration system with data from the Motor Vehicle Commission (for driver's licenses), the Department of Health (death records), and correctional agencies (incarceration/parole records). It mandates an annual report to the Governor and Legislature, due 90 days after the November election, including county-level data on inactive/active voters, voter removals, and counties not meeting program standards. The bill directly affects county election officials who must implement these crosschecks and maintain accurate voter rolls.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's A827, "Anthony Maruca's Law," requires all state law enforcement officers to carry and be trained in using epinephrine auto-injectors for emergency treatment of severe allergic reactions. The bill mandates that officers complete approved training to administer epinephrine and provides their departments with a one-dose supply per officer, to be kept in patrol vehicles or medical kits. It directly affects all permanent full-time law enforcement officers and their employing agencies across New Jersey. The law aims to ensure officers can provide immediate life-saving aid during anaphylactic emergencies, as highlighted by a case where officers were unable to assist due to lacking epinephrine.