Asm. Verlina Reynolds-Jackson

Maddy summaryThis bill makes it a crime to non-consensually share intimate images (including AI-generated deepfakes) of political candidates running for public office in New Jersey. It defines "intimate image" as photos or videos showing exposed intimate body parts or sexual acts, and "forged intimate image" as AI-altered images that falsely appear realistic. Violators face third-degree criminal charges with penalties of up to 5 years in prison or a $15,000 fine. Candidates can also pursue civil lawsuits for damages and legal fees without needing a prior criminal conviction, targeting election interference tactics like deepfakes. The law applies to all candidates for state, local, or school board offices.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $49.5 million from constitutionally dedicated corporation business tax (CBT) revenues to fund land acquisition for recreation and conservation purposes across New Jersey. The funding supports specific projects including Blue Acres projects (which protect lands from flood and storm damage) and the Green Acres Program. The bill allocates $23.7 million for land acquisition in 14 designated project areas across multiple counties, with $23.7 million specifically for Blue Acres projects and $2.05 million for program administrative costs. This funding comes from a constitutional fund approved by voters in 2014 that's dedicated to open space and conservation initiatives.

Maddy summarySJR 76 designates the second Friday in December each year as "PSRPs in Our Schools Day" in New Jersey to recognize paraprofessionals and school-related personnel (PSRPs). This resolution honors PSRPs, including instructional aides, bus drivers, cafeteria workers, and custodial staff, who support students through tutoring, classroom assistance, meal preparation, facility maintenance, and student transportation. The resolution does not create new programs or funding but calls for the Governor, Legislature, and citizens to observe and acknowledge these staff members' contributions. It takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill eliminates the requirement for parents to pay past-due child support owed to New Jersey's Division of Child Protection and Permanency (DCPP) for children in its care. It specifically voids all existing child support arrears (over $3 million in 2023), related court judgments, liens, and warrants for these cases, making them unenforceable. The change aligns with a 2022 federal policy allowing states to reduce child support collection efforts for children in foster care, addressing that 90% of involved parents are indigent and collection costs often exceed amounts recovered. This directly affects parents legally responsible for children in DCPP custody, removing financial barriers to family reunification.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Division of Child Protection and Permanency (DCPP) to consult with the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) when a court finds an individual with a developmental disability abused or neglected a child. It mandates DCPP to work with DDD to create a tailored services plan for that individual, considering their specific disability. The key mechanism ensures therapeutic services (like counseling or support programs) are designed around the person's disability needs, rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach. This directly affects individuals with developmental disabilities who are found to have abused or neglected a child and are eligible for DDD services.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $60 million from constitutionally dedicated corporation business tax (CBT) revenues - funds voters approved in 2014 for open space and conservation - to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). The funds will directly support state park, forest, and historic site development projects under the Preserve New Jersey Act, including repairs to bridges, buildings, and recreational facilities, as well as habitat improvements and camping access. Specific allocations cover projects like $10 million for health/safety upgrades, $13.5 million for recreational development, and $7 million for historic structure repairs. The funding comes from existing CBT revenue streams, not new taxes, and requires no additional legislative approval for DEP project spending.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires inflatable ride manufacturers to provide detailed operation manuals and include ground anchors with each ride. Every inflatable ride must display a data plate listing the manufacturer, date, serial number, rider capacity, and inflation specifications. Operators must inspect anchors and tie-downs before use, evacuate riders during hazardous weather (like thunderstorms or high winds), and re-inspect the ride after weather events. These requirements codify existing safety rules under New Jersey's Carnival-Amusement Rides Safety Act to ensure consistent enforcement by the Department of Community Affairs.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the New Jersey Veterans' Organization Building Grant Program, which will provide competitive grants to 501(c)(19) veterans' organizations for building rehabilitation or purchase to support veteran services. The program will be funded by a $2 million initial appropriation from the General Fund, plus voluntary taxpayer contributions through New Jersey income tax returns. Organizations must submit applications detailing how they'll use the buildings to assist veterans, and the Economic Development Authority will develop specific grant criteria. The program aims to help veterans' organizations maintain or improve facilities that serve veterans across New Jersey.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 1323) clarifies key definitions for New Jersey's Aspire Program, which provides tax credits to support economic development projects. It revises terms like "commercial project" (requiring 50,000+ square feet of office/retail space in most areas) and "collaborative workspace" (minimum 2,500 sq ft with specific community features) to determine eligibility for tax credits under the 2020 Economic Recovery Act. The changes directly affect developers seeking tax credits for qualifying projects, such as large-scale commercial redevelopments in designated areas. The bill does not create new incentives but refines how existing program rules apply. It was signed into law as P.L.2025, c.2.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Attorney General to create an internet-based tracking system for rape kits (also called sexual assault forensic evidence kits). The system will allow victims, law enforcement officers, healthcare providers, and labs to monitor a kit's journey from collection at a medical facility through testing and final disposal. It mandates the Attorney General to issue guidelines for this tracking system, ensuring transparency in the chain of custody. The law, which became effective in January 2025, directly affects victims of sexual assault, healthcare facilities, law enforcement, and forensic labs handling these kits.