Asm. Yvonne Lopez

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill requires all subscription service providers (such as streaming platforms, gym memberships, or recurring payment services) to give customers an easy way to cancel their subscriptions using the same method they signed up (e.g., online, by phone, or in person). It also mandates that providers using "negative option" features (where silence or inaction is treated as acceptance) must clearly disclose terms, obtain explicit consent before charging, and provide a simple cancellation mechanism. Violations can result in fines up to $20,000 per offense, expanding previous rules that only applied to health clubs to cover all subscription services.

Maddy summaryS 2346 creates a three-year pilot program to protect vulnerable residents during extreme heat and poor air quality events. It establishes "Code Red" alerts triggered when heat index reaches 95°F+ for two days or air quality hits index 151+, requiring counties to coordinate cooling centers, transportation, and outreach for homeless or outdoor residents. The bill appropriates $5 million total - $500,000 per participating county - to fund this effort in 10 selected counties. Counties must develop alert plans with local agencies, report to the state, and submit a final evaluation on the program’s effectiveness after the pilot ends.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes New Jersey's State Longitudinal Data System (SLDS), a centralized platform to track education and workforce data across state agencies. It directly affects New Jersey residents by using anonymized data from the Department of Education, Higher Education offices, Labor Department, and other partners to improve workforce policies and education programs. The system will be operated by Rutgers' John J. Heldrich Center under a Governing Board with agency representatives, requiring strict privacy safeguards (like NIST certification) and releasing only aggregated data. The bill mandates $2 million annually in state funding for the system's maintenance and requires an annual report on its use and impact.

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 (A4651) imposes penalties on parents or legal guardians who fail to properly supervise minors, leading to specific juvenile offenses. If a minor causes property damage due to the guardian's willful disregard, the guardian faces a $1,000 civil fine. For a first offense where a minor incites a public brawl, the guardian could be charged with a petty disorderly persons offense (up to 30 days jail or $500 fine). For second or subsequent public brawl offenses by the minor, the guardian faces a disorderly persons offense (up to 6 months jail or $1,000 fine). The bill directly affects parents/guardians whose supervision failures result in juvenile adjudications under N.J.S.2C:33-1 (public brawl) or N.J.S.2C:33-2 (property damage).

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 increases the daily vehicle traffic limit for municipalities and counties to install certain speed humps (specifically flat-topped speed tables ≥10 feet) without New Jersey's Department of Transportation (DOT) approval. It raises the threshold from 3,000 to 4,000 vehicles per day on residential streets (two-lane or one-way) and within 500 feet of schools or school properties. Municipalities may now install these flat-topped speed tables without DOT approval on eligible streets meeting the higher traffic threshold, while standard speed humps still require the lower 3,000-vehicle limit. The bill directly affects local governments planning traffic calming measures on residential streets near schools or in business districts.

Maddy summaryS 4809 revises the membership qualifications for New Jersey's Commission on Latino and Hispanic Heritage, which promotes cultural and educational programs for Latino and Hispanic communities. It removes the requirement that certain appointed members must hold a Master's degree in Latino or Hispanic studies or culture and replaces the prior need for leadership experience in heritage organizations with a standard requiring knowledge and experience in Latino or Hispanic studies or education. The change affects the 19 public members appointed by the Senate President (5), Speaker (5), and Governor (9), without altering the commission's structure or purpose.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the "Female Incarcerated Person's Rights Protection Act" for New Jersey's female inmates, requiring gender-responsive policies and services. Key provisions include a gender-responsive risk assessment during classification, creation of a Division of Women's Services to address specific needs like trauma treatment and parenting support, and mandatory doula services for pregnant incarcerated women. The bill also establishes a Special Victims Unit to investigate sexual assault allegations and requires annual training for correctional officers who supervise female inmates. These changes aim to improve safety, dignity, and reentry support for female incarcerated individuals in New Jersey.