Asm. Yvonne Lopez

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all subscription service providers in New Jersey (like streaming services, gym memberships, or software subscriptions) to give consumers a clear, easy way to cancel their subscriptions using the same method they signed up with - such as online, by phone, or in person. It specifically bans "negative option features" where silence or inaction is treated as agreement, mandating providers to get explicit consent before charging and to clearly disclose terms upfront. Providers must also place a prominent cancellation link on websites or in emails, making it simple for consumers to stop automatic renewals. The law expands existing rules (previously limited to health clubs) to cover all subscription services and prohibits misleading marketing or hidden cancellation processes.

Maddy summaryBill A3495 creates an independent Office of Nonprofit Ombudsperson within New Jersey's Department of Treasury to advocate for and assist nonprofit organizations (defined as IRS 501(c)(3) entities) interacting with state agencies. The Ombudsperson will monitor state agencies' compliance with a public information portal, provide technical assistance, investigate complaints, and develop procurement practices to improve nonprofit access to resources. The office requires $329,000 in funding from the General Fund to operate, including maintaining a dedicated website and reporting annually to the Governor and Legislature. This bill directly affects nonprofits seeking state services and state agencies required to maintain accessible online resource portals.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands New Jersey's existing domestic violence public awareness campaign to include information about recognizing "coercive control" - patterns of controlling behavior like isolating victims, monitoring communications, or threatening to report them to authorities. It requires the Division on Women (within the Department of Children and Families) to add this content to the campaign, expand language options beyond English and Spanish (as recommended by the Advisory Council), and provide annual reports on campaign activities. The campaign must cover causes, risk factors, prevention, and local victim services, with new materials specifically addressing coercive control indicators. This directly affects victims of domestic violence, service providers, and the public by enhancing educational resources and accessibility.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Office for Women’s Advancement within New Jersey’s Department of Labor and Workforce Development. The office will directly support women in New Jersey workplaces by collecting data on issues like the gender pay gap, hiring practices, and work-family balance; collaborating with state agencies and groups like the Advisory Commission on the Status of Women; reviewing legislation for gender equity; and publishing reports and hosting events. It creates a dedicated "Women's Advancement Fund" to receive annual state appropriations and eligible federal or private funding for the office’s operations. The policy change creates a permanent state office focused on advancing gender equity in employment, career development, and workplace culture across New Jersey.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Attorney General to review and update the statewide use-of-force policy every even-numbered year, ensuring it prioritizes de-escalation, limits force to necessary and proportional measures (with deadly force as a last resort), and includes officer duties like intervention and reporting. It mandates three public hearings across the state to gather community input and requires all law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and the State Police to receive the revised policy. The bill also establishes a public online reporting system for use-of-force incidents, compiling data under open records laws for public access. Additionally, it sets detailed guidelines for handling barricaded individuals - emphasizing mental health crisis protocols and de-escalation - and mandates training for law enforcement on these procedures.

Maddy summaryAJR 110 is a symbolic resolution designating May of each year as "Better Hearing and Speech Month" in New Jersey. It does not create new policies or directly affect specific groups but aims to raise public awareness about communication disorders. The resolution requests the Governor issue an annual proclamation encouraging New Jersey residents, public officials, and community organizations to observe the month with awareness activities. This is a procedural measure focused on education and community engagement, not a legislative change with concrete policy impacts.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 2178) amends New Jersey's Commission on Human Trafficking to specifically require the commission to study human trafficking affecting women and children of color. The commission must identify risk factors making these groups vulnerable, develop prevention strategies, and recommend ways to improve support services for victims. The commission will continue its existing duties - like evaluating laws, reviewing victim programs, and promoting public awareness - but now with a focused mandate on racial disparities in trafficking. It will report annually to the Governor and Legislature on its findings and legislative recommendations related to this specific population.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies New Jersey's cosmetology licensing exam requirements. It expands language options beyond English by requiring the State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling to offer practical and written exams in English plus the four most commonly spoken languages in the state (determined using Census data). This affects both new applicants and practicing licensees, who may now take each exam portion in one of these four languages or use a translator for practical exams if approved by the board. The Division of Consumer Affairs must verify and update the list of available languages every five years using official data. The change replaces the current limited option of Spanish for practicing licensees.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes gender-specific policies for female inmates in New Jersey state correctional facilities. It requires the Corrections Commissioner to create separate disciplinary rules for women (avoiding gender-inappropriate sanctions), implement trauma-informed care, and establish a nursery program allowing mothers to keep newborns with them if eligible (excluding those with certain violent crimes, child abuse history, or active warrants). The bill also mandates doula services during childbirth, parenting classes, and annual reporting on disciplinary actions by gender. These provisions directly affect incarcerated women in state facilities, particularly those who are pregnant or have young children.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a five-year WATER Pilot Program within New Jersey's Department of Labor, appropriating $1 million to fund water-sector apprenticeships. It directly affects eligible organizations - such as businesses, unions, colleges, nonprofits, and public utilities - that run accredited water-related training programs (e.g., for wastewater workers) and partner with industry. Key provisions require applicants to demonstrate U.S. Department of Labor accreditation, secure industry partnerships, and prioritize underserved communities, with grants covering program costs. Grantees must report annually on participant enrollment, completion, and job placement, while the Department must evaluate the program’s effectiveness yearly.