Asm. Roy Freiman

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $1.723 million from existing funds - $896,678 from constitutionally dedicated corporation business tax revenues (via the Preserve New Jersey Farmland Preservation Fund) and $826,321 from the 2009 Farmland Preservation Fund - to the State Agriculture Development Committee. The funds will provide grants covering up to 50% of the cost for nonprofit organizations to acquire development easements or fee simple titles on farmland, with agricultural deed restrictions, to preserve working farms. The bill specifically allocates funds to five farmland projects across Hunterdon, Sussex, and Warren counties. These grants are funded through reallocated monies previously designated for farmland preservation, not new tax revenue.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes clearer definitions and duties for different types of real estate agents in New Jersey, including buyer's agents, seller's agents, dual agents, designated agents, and transaction brokers. It requires real estate professionals to provide written disclosures about their agency relationship before or at the time of signing a brokerage agreement, and mandates specific signage at open houses to inform prospective buyers about the agent's representation. The bill also requires real estate licensees to complete at least one hour of agency-related continuing education during each biennial license renewal period. These provisions directly affect homebuyers, sellers, and real estate professionals in New Jersey by enhancing transparency and consumer protections in real estate transactions.

Maddy summaryThis bill gives sexual assault victims in New Jersey the right to be notified about specific developments in their criminal case. It requires law enforcement to inform victims if: - A DNA profile of the attacker was collected from evidence, - That DNA was entered into a state or federal database, - A match was found between the attacker’s DNA and a database profile (unless it would interfere with an active investigation), or - Evidence was processed by a forensic lab and compared to a database. Victims can request written or electronic updates on evidence status and designate another person to receive these notifications. The bill does not affect case outcomes if notifications are missed.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes how health insurers in New Jersey calculate their minimum loss ratio requirement for individual and small employer health plans. It requires insurers to maintain at least 80% of premiums spent on claims and quality improvements, calculated using a three-year rolling average instead of annual figures. The law specifies that the numerator must include claims paid plus quality improvement spending, excludes new taxes from the calculation, and mandates that insurers issue rebates if the loss ratio falls below 80%. This applies to all health insurance carriers selling plans in New Jersey's individual and small-group markets.

Maddy summaryAJR 188 designates March 31 of each year as "Jack Antonoff Day" in New Jersey to honor the musician and producer Jack Antonoff, who was born in Bergenfield, New Jersey, and is known for his work with artists like Taylor Swift and his founding of the Ally Coalition supporting LGBTQ youth. The resolution requests the Governor issue an annual proclamation encouraging public recognition of the day through community activities. This is a ceremonial designation with no legal or financial impact, solely intended to acknowledge Antonoff's cultural contributions and advocacy.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes legal protections for patients and healthcare providers accessing or providing reproductive and gender-affirming health care services in New Jersey. It creates a new crime for interfering with these services (including physical obstruction, intimidation, or damaging property), with penalties ranging from a disorderly persons offense to a fourth-degree crime. The bill also prevents New Jersey from extraditing people for legally protected health care activities, prohibits licensing boards from penalizing providers for services that are legal in New Jersey but illegal in other states, and protects patient privacy related to these services. It specifically ensures that a fertilized egg, embryo, or fetus has no independent legal rights under New Jersey law.

Maddy summaryThe New Jersey Works Act provides tax credits to businesses that fund pre-employment training programs with educational institutions or nonprofits. Businesses can receive a tax credit equal to 100% of the financial assistance they provide for approved programs that offer at least 12 weeks of paid training at minimum wage to low- and moderate-income individuals. These programs must include training in basic skills, communication, critical thinking, and job readiness. The bill appropriates $3 million from the General Fund to implement the program and requires a two-year evaluation of its effectiveness, excluding construction businesses from participation.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey's bias intimidation law to specifically include Sikhism as a protected class, making it illegal to commit hate crimes against Sikhs based on their religious identity. It appropriates $100,000 annually for three years to fund Sikh awareness educational initiatives, including law enforcement training on Sikh identity features like turbans and religious symbols to prevent misclassification of hate incidents. The bill requires the Office of Attorney General to develop public awareness campaigns and educational programs about Sikhism for public schools, and mandates that all public entities incorporate anti-Sikh hate into their bias intimidation policies and diversity programs. These changes directly affect Sikhs in New Jersey (who are the second-most targeted religious group for hate crimes) and all public institutions across the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the New Jersey Water Infrastructure Center at a state-designated college or university, appropriating $5 million from the General Fund for its creation and operations. The center will collect and share water system data through an online dashboard, fund research on water infrastructure challenges, and foster collaboration between water utilities, researchers, and communities. It directly affects all New Jersey residents by aiming to improve water system reliability, affordability, and climate resilience through data-driven solutions. The center must report annually to the Governor and Legislature on its programs and impact on water systems statewide.

Maddy summaryThe "Cancer Patient Care and Compassion Act" (A4483) requires health insurance plans, Medicaid, and the State Health Benefits Program to cover cancer treatments administered through IV or other non-digestive system methods, along with survivorship care plans for patients with Stage III, IV, or terminal cancer, with no cost-sharing required. The bill prohibits mortgage lenders from initiating foreclosure actions and creditors from starting collection proceedings against cancer patients undergoing treatment, requiring dismissal of such actions upon physician certification. Additionally, it provides up to 45 days' eviction protection for tenants with cancer who submit physician certification, and extends employment protections for cancer patients taking disability leave. This legislation directly affects cancer patients in New Jersey who are receiving treatment for advanced stages of cancer, ensuring they face fewer financial barriers during their treatment.