Asm. Mitchelle Drulis

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey state agencies to set aside at least 30% of their advertising budget for eligible local news organizations. The law defines eligible news organizations as those that produce original local content, maintain editorial independence, and meet specific operational and financial criteria. State agencies purchasing advertising must reserve this portion of their budget specifically for these qualifying local news outlets. The legislation aims to support local journalism by ensuring a steady stream of advertising revenue while maintaining the editorial freedom of news organizations.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill prohibits law enforcement agencies and other users of automated license plate readers from sharing that information with out-of-state authorities for investigations related to reproductive health care services that are legal in the state. The legislation requires any out-of-state agency requesting such data to provide a written guarantee that the information will not be used to pursue legal action against individuals seeking or providing reproductive health care. Violations of these sharing restrictions could result in civil penalties of up to $1,000 for a first offense and $5,000 for subsequent offenses. The law applies to all reproductive health services, including pregnancy-related care, contraception, and abortion, and takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryBill A 1505 amends New Jersey's Administrative Procedure Act to increase transparency in state agency rulemaking. It requires agencies to publish all rules, permits, fees, deadlines, and public hearing notices on their websites, and to create a quarterly calendar of upcoming rulemaking activities. The bill mandates a 90-day public comment period for proposed rules (up from 60 days) and prohibits agencies from consolidating unrelated rule proposals. These changes directly affect state agencies and the public seeking to understand or participate in regulatory processes.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Health to study two options for funding long-term health care benefits for certain residents. The study will model a worker-funded payroll deduction program and a public-private insurance model to cover high-cost care needs. It must analyze costs, participant numbers, potential Medicaid savings, and state risks, with a report due within 365 days. The findings will inform future legislation but won't create benefits immediately. This directly affects New Jersey residents who may require long-term care services, such as those over 65.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 2731) adds the right to use assisted reproductive technology (ART), including in vitro fertilization (IVF), to New Jersey's fundamental reproductive rights. It directly affects all individuals in New Jersey, including those under state control, by legally protecting their choice to access ART for starting or expanding a family. The key mechanism declares any state law, rule, or regulation limiting this right "deemed invalid" and unenforceable under New Jersey law. The bill responds to Alabama's 2024 court ruling that threatened IVF access, expanding existing protections for reproductive choices. It takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A4074) requires the state Department of State to create a public "Reproductive Health Travel Advisory" to inform residents about reproductive healthcare access in other states. The advisory categorizes states into three tiers: "Blue" (normal access), "Yellow" (restricted access with legal risks), and "Red" (extreme restrictions risking health outcomes). It details specific restrictions like gestational bans, medication limits, and legal protections for patients and providers. The advisory will be published online and updated whenever states change their reproductive healthcare laws. It directly affects New Jersey residents who may travel while pregnant and need to make informed decisions about emergency care.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 1315) establishes standardized credit transfer policies between New Jersey's public colleges and universities. It requires all public institutions to create a statewide transfer agreement ensuring general education credits and associate degrees transfer seamlessly to four-year programs, and a reverse transfer agreement allowing students enrolled at four-year schools to earn associate degrees from community colleges for credits completed there. The bill creates a new "New Jersey Transfer Ombudsperson" within the Higher Education office to resolve disputes over credit transfers and monitor compliance. It directly affects public colleges, students transferring between institutions, and community colleges offering associate degrees. The bill is pending before the Assembly Higher Education Committee.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey state agencies to offer businesses an optional electronic service for receiving legally required notices, such as violation warnings, underpayment alerts, and unemployment claims. It directly affects businesses operating in New Jersey that receive these official notices from state entities. State agencies must notify businesses about the electronic option within 60 days of the bill’s enactment and provide instructions for opting in. The bill does not change existing notice requirements but adds an electronic alternative, with the law taking effect 90 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A3955) requires New Jersey's Business Action Center to study vacant commercial real estate and its impact on small businesses. The study must examine how local governments track vacancies, assess existing programs aiding vacant space, survey business owners' experiences finding space, and recommend improvements. The report must be submitted to the Governor and Legislature within one year of the bill's effective date. This bill does not create new programs but mandates a review to inform future policy decisions. It directly affects small businesses seeking commercial space and local governments managing vacant properties.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey to create a public online registry listing out-of-state contractors awarded public construction contracts that require prevailing wages. It directly affects contractors whose main business is outside New Jersey, excluding satellite offices or temporary locations. The registry, maintained by the State Treasurer, will include project details, contractor trade names, and business addresses, and must be accessible on the Treasury Department’s website. The law takes effect immediately upon enactment.