Asm. Sterley Stanley

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 2051 requires law enforcement officers to conduct a risk assessment for domestic violence victims who agree to participate. Officers must use the Ontario Domestic Assault Risk Assessment (ODARA) tool, gathering details on recent incidents, injuries, and weapon use. If the assessment indicates elevated risk of serious harm, officers must inform the victim and, with consent, connect them to crisis services or charge the suspect. The bill directly affects domestic violence victims (through consent-based assessments) and law enforcement officers (through mandated training and procedures).

Maddy summaryThis bill classifies tianeptine, an antidepressant medication, as a Schedule II controlled substance under New Jersey law. It makes possession, distribution, or manufacturing of tianeptine illegal without authorization, with penalties including up to 10 years in prison for larger quantities (second-degree crime) or 3-5 years for smaller amounts (third-degree crime). The law directly affects anyone possessing or distributing tianeptine, including patients prescribed the drug, as it would require a prescription to legally obtain it. The policy change aligns tianeptine with other high-risk substances under New Jersey’s Controlled Dangerous Substances Act.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all source plasma donation centers operating in New Jersey to obtain an annual license from the Department of Health. Existing centers pay a $25 initial fee, while new centers pay higher renewal fees, with all income funding the Department's oversight. Centers must follow safety rules based on federal standards for donor screening and plasma collection, and the Department can inspect facilities, suspend licenses for safety violations, or impose fines up to $5,000 for repeated offenses. The law directly affects plasma donation centers and their operations, ensuring standardized safety practices for donors and the community.

Maddy summaryThis bill exempts minors under 16 who are featured in family-run vlogs (not creating their own content) from standard child labor restrictions. It defines a "vlogger" as a caregiver or family member creating compensated video content featuring a minor, excluding minors under 16 who produce their own vlogs. The exemption applies when a minor meets specific criteria over a 12-month period, allowing them to work as a vlog subject without needing a theatrical permit. This directly affects minors working in family vlog content creation and their caregivers. The bill is currently pending in the Senate Budget Committee after passing the Assembly.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A5195) requires manufacturers to provide written notice to purchasers when selling firefighting personal protective equipment (like jackets, helmets, or gloves) containing chemicals called PFAS (perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances). The notice must state that PFAS is present, explain why it's used, and list the specific chemicals. Beginning six months after the bill takes effect, manufacturers must provide this notice at sale, and both parties must keep copies for three years. Two years later, the bill prohibits selling, manufacturing, or distributing firefighting gear that intentionally contains PFAS. It directly affects manufacturers of firefighting PPE and fire departments purchasing this equipment.

Maddy summaryThis bill, S 2373 (the "New Jersey First Responders PTSD Protection Act"), protects paid first responders (including police, firefighters, EMTs, and 911 dispatchers) who are diagnosed with work-related PTSD. It prohibits public employers from firing, harassing, or discriminating against these employees for taking leave related to a PTSD diagnosis verified by a licensed medical professional. Employers must reinstate employees to their prior roles after medical clearance and face civil penalties of up to $10,000 per violation if they retaliate. The law applies only when PTSD arises from trauma directly tied to job duties, such as witnessing incidents or experiencing vicarious trauma while performing official responsibilities.

Maddy summaryThis bill redefines "motorized bicycle" to include all pedal bicycles with electric motors that can provide assistance while pedaling or be used with a throttle for propulsion, removing the previous "low-speed electric bicycle" classification. As a result, owners must now obtain a valid driver's license (17+ with basic license or 15+ with specific motorized bicycle license), register their bicycles, and carry insurance. The bill provides a six-month grace period after enactment for owners to comply with these new requirements. It also requires law enforcement to report motorized bicycle accidents to the Motor Vehicle Commission and Department of Transportation, and mandates an annual report on motorized bicycle usage and safety.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes deputy county clerks in New Jersey to perform marriage and civil union ceremonies, which they were previously unable to do under state law. It amends statute R.S.37:1-13 to explicitly include "deputy county clerk" as an authorized official, alongside county clerks and other existing roles like judges and mayors. The change directly affects deputy county clerks statewide, expanding their official duties without requiring new training or certification. The bill does not alter requirements for other authorized officials or create new administrative processes.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows school counselors, psychologists, and other mental health professionals in New Jersey public schools to refer students to private licensed mental health providers (such as psychologists or social workers) for assessments and services. It prohibits referrals to a provider if the school staff or their immediate family has a significant financial interest in that provider. Parents or guardians must consent for students who cannot legally consent themselves, and neither the school district nor the referring staff bears the cost of these private services. The bill does not restrict schools from providing mental health services directly to students. It aims to expand access to mental health care through school-based referrals while maintaining safeguards.

Maddy summaryThis bill, "Max's Law," requires New Jersey public school districts to include age-appropriate instruction about fentanyl and xylazine dangers in health classes for students in grades 6 through 12. The curriculum must cover prevention, symptoms of poisoning, emergency response, and relevant laws protecting those seeking help. School districts must use resources from federal agencies like the CDC and NIH, and the state education department will provide materials and post online resources for staff, students, and parents. The law takes effect immediately, applying to the first full school year after enactment, with annual reports evaluating its impact on youth drug use and poisoning.