Asm. Anthony Verrelli

Maddy summaryThis bill requires new public buildings or substantial renovations (costing $40,000 or more) to install induction loop listening systems, which transmit sound directly to hearing aids with a telecoil feature. It applies to spaces regularly open to the public, such as libraries, theaters, banks, medical waiting areas, and grocery checkouts. Building owners must post visible signage indicating the system’s availability and confirm its functionality every two years. Installation may be exempt if a local agency deems it impractical for the specific space.

Maddy summaryThis bill criminalizes individuals who falsely claim ownership or possession of a residential property to rent it out or gain a benefit without the owner's consent. It targets "imposter landlords" who advertise rentals they don't legally control, making such actions a fourth-degree crime (up to 18 months in jail or $10,000 fine). The law does not apply to legitimate tenants, subtenants, or real estate professionals acting in good faith with a client's verified occupancy rights. It also explicitly excludes online platforms from liability under federal Section 230. Violations would also trigger New Jersey's Consumer Fraud Act, allowing for triple damages and attorney fees.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires school districts and contracted bus services to maintain at least one school bus aide for every 15 special needs students during all bus transportation. It applies when transporting students with special needs, including when mixed with general education students. The bill defines "special needs" as students eligible for special education (excluding those classified solely for specific learning disabilities under federal law). The rule takes effect immediately for the first full school year after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the "Safe and Sanitary Rental Housing Act" to improve safety and sanitation standards in New Jersey's rental housing. It requires landlords to register with detailed information about ownership, emergency contacts, and maintenance personnel, and mandates annual certification of registration accuracy. The bill strengthens the warranty of habitability by requiring courts to consider habitability violations when tenants fail to pay rent, and creates a new system for tracking inspections and tenant complaints. Landlords who fail to comply face penalties of up to $500 per violation, and the law aims to hold landlords accountable for providing safe and sanitary housing for tenants.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all degree-seeking students at New Jersey's public colleges and universities to complete a course on American government and civic participation before graduating. Starting in the 2022-2023 academic year, public institution governing boards must mandate this course as a graduation requirement. The law aims to equip students with foundational knowledge about democracy, citizenship, and how to engage in community decision-making. It directly affects every undergraduate student pursuing a degree at a New Jersey public higher education institution.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires landlords who rent space to child care facilities (like daycares or preschools) to install and maintain lead-removing water filters at all water outlets used for drinking, food prep, or baby formula if they previously refused to allow water system replacement of lead pipes. Landlords must install filters certified to meet safety standards (like NSF/ANSI 42/53), maintain them, and annually certify compliance to the environmental agency. Failure to comply can result in daily fines of up to $500, and tenants can force rent into court-ordered escrow until filters are installed. If the landlord's refusal causes children or staff to have elevated lead levels, they face unlimited financial liability for damages.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey Assembly Bill A837 requires landlords to attach a municipal certificate of inspection or occupancy to residential leases and have tenants acknowledge receipt by initialing the document. This applies to properties where local ordinances mandate such inspections before renting. Landlords who fail to comply must provide the certificate within 30 days to avoid making the lease voidable at the tenant’s option. If a tenant exercises this right, they can vacate without financial obligation, and landlords must return security deposits within 30 days. The bill aims to ensure tenants know rental units have passed safety inspections.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Residential Property Repair Program, providing low-interest loans (up to $50,000 per home) to eligible homeowners or prospective homeowners in designated municipalities to fix serious home defects. It directly affects residents with household incomes under 120% of area median income or first responders who intend to purchase or reside in homes with defects like unsafe conditions, lead hazards, or abandonment. Loans require a 5-year residency commitment after repairs (with a $5,000 penalty for early departure) and mandate 8 hours of homebuyer counseling for new homeowners. The $30 million program, funded by federal American Rescue Plan Act funds, is administered by the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's A838 requires all law enforcement officers to complete four hours of de-escalation and intervention training every three years. The bill amends state law to establish that an officer who fails to de-escalate and intervene when another officer commits an offense against a civilian is legally accountable as an accomplice. The training must include communication techniques to defuse dangerous situations and strategies for handling people experiencing mental or emotional crises.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a legal presumption that firefighters in New Jersey diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease developed the condition due to their job, if they had no evidence of it at the time of hiring. Specifically, it presumes that a permanent disability from Parkinson's Disease was caused by job duties - not the firefighter's negligence - provided they passed a pre-employment physical that did not reveal the disease. This applies to members of the Police and Firemen’s Retirement System (PFRS), allowing them to qualify for accidental disability retirement benefits without proving a direct job link. The presumption shifts the burden of proof to the retirement system to disprove the job connection if it contests the claim.