Asm. Yvonne Lopez

Maddy summaryThis bill provides mortgage payment relief and foreclosure protection to New Jersey homeowners who received federal disaster assistance for damage from Hurricane Ida's remnants. It establishes a process for eligible homeowners to apply to the Department of Community Affairs for a "Certification of Eligibility for Forbearance," which would temporarily suspend mortgage principal and interest payments for one year. Homeowners must have occupied their primary residence as of August 31, 2021, and received federal disaster assistance related to Hurricane Ida damage. During the forbearance period, mortgage servicers cannot initiate foreclosure proceedings, though homeowners remain responsible for property taxes, insurance, and maintenance. The relief ends either one year after the forbearance begins or January 1, 2026, whichever comes first.

Maddy summaryThis bill grants eligibility for the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) and retirement benefits to certain county fire instructors who met specific conditions before November 1, 2008. It applies to those who were continuously enrolled in PERS, worked as fire instructors each year of membership, earned over $1,500 annually, and held permanent career service status with their county. The bill also allows individuals whose PERS membership was terminated within three years of enactment to rejoin the system if they repay any returned contributions and interest. The changes take effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A4871) provides mortgage payment relief and foreclosure protection for New Jersey homeowners who lived in their primary residence as of August 31, 2021, and received federal disaster aid for damage caused by Hurricane Ida's 2021 remnants. Eligible homeowners can apply to the Department of Community Affairs for a "Certification of Eligibility for Forbearance," which pauses mortgage payments for one year while blocking foreclosure actions during that period. The bill requires lenders to extend the mortgage repayment term by the forbearance duration, prohibits fees or penalties during the pause, and mandates lenders to report forbearance data to state agencies. Foreclosure stays are available until January 1, 2026, or one year after the stay is granted, whichever comes first.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits distributing intentionally deceptive audio or visual media (such as deepfakes) within 90 days of an election if the intent is to deceive voters about a candidate or election. It criminalizes such distribution as a disorderly person offense, punishable by up to six months in jail, a $1,000 fine, or both. The prohibition does not apply if the media includes a clear, visible disclosure (e.g., "This advertisement contains manipulated images or sound") that remains readable throughout video or audible at the start of audio. Registered voters and candidates can seek court injunctions or sue for damages in violation cases. News organizations publishing such media for newsworthy purposes with the required disclosure are exempt from the law.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey law to expand exemptions for apartment complex swimming pools from certain safety requirements. It defines "apartment complex" as multiple buildings on shared premises with monthly rentals, and adds such complexes to the list of "specially exempt facilities" if they restrict pool access to tenants and their invited guests. Facilities qualifying for this exemption must still post a required warning sign stating "No lifeguard on duty. Persons under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. No swimming alone." The exemption applies to apartment complexes meeting these conditions, while other pool facilities remain subject to standard lifeguard and first aid requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Departments of Human Services (DHS) and Children and Families (DCF) to each hire a full-time Director of Medical Services. These medical directors - must be licensed physicians with specific qualifications - will advise investigators on complex medical issues in abuse, neglect, or death cases, provide expert testimony, and review medical care standards at state facilities. The bill appropriates $480,000 total ($240,000 per department) from the state general fund to cover these positions. It directly affects DHS and DCF operations and their oversight of investigations involving vulnerable populations.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires service providers for individuals with developmental disabilities in New Jersey to complete an annual workforce survey distributed by the state's Division of Developmental Disabilities. Providers who fail to complete the survey will be fined $5,000 per year of non-compliance. The Commissioner of Human Services will establish rules to implement this requirement, with fines enforceable through court proceedings. The law applies only in years when the Division participates in the National Core Indicators State of the Workforce Survey or a similar survey.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling to administer professional license examinations in English and the four most commonly spoken languages in the state (other than English), instead of only English with optional Spanish for practicing licensees. It directly affects cosmetology applicants and license holders seeking to take or renew their licenses. The key provision mandates the Division of Consumers Affairs to post these four languages on its website and verify them every five years. The bill does not change current requirements for Spanish or translator assistance but expands language options based on statewide demographics.

Maddy summaryThis bill would give New Jersey renters the right to challenge rent increases they believe are "unconscionable" (extremely unfair) by requiring landlords to provide detailed written justification for the increase. Tenants would have 10 days to request this justification after receiving a rent increase notice, and landlords would have 10 days to respond with specific information about costs, market rates, property condition, and other factors. If negotiations fail within 30 days, tenants could take landlords to court, with the burden of proof on the landlord to show the increase is reasonable. The bill appropriates $2 million to fund public awareness campaigns and judge training about the new process.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey state agencies and procurement directors to make a good faith effort to increase contracts awarded to certified minority- and women-owned businesses for purchases not requiring public bidding (typically under $250,000). It sets a specific goal of achieving a 30% aggregate increase in these contracts within five years of the bill's effective date. To meet this, state agencies must submit monthly reports to the State Treasurer detailing their efforts, while the Treasurer develops implementation guidelines and submits biannual reports to the Governor and Legislature on progress. The bill directly affects state agencies handling procurement, the Division of Purchase and Property, and the Division of Property Management and Construction.