Asm. Yvonne Lopez

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the State Treasurer to sell two separate parcels (2.321 acres total) of surplus property at 1291 Rahway Avenue in Woodbridge Township, Middlesex County. The property, formerly part of the Woodbridge Development Center, will be sold to Woodbridge Township for its appraised value of $910,000. The sale follows terms approved by the State House Commission and transfers ownership of the northern and southern portions of the former site, while the state retains the central portion. The property is designated as surplus to state needs, and the transaction takes effect immediately.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A1488) prohibits most public and private entities from collecting, storing, or sharing biometric data (like facial scans, fingerprints, or voice recordings) without specific conditions. It allows collection only if entities post clear, plain-language notice at all entry points about using biometric surveillance systems. Violations carry a $5,000 fine for first offenses and $10,000 for repeat violations, with repeated violations (five in 30 days) becoming a criminal offense punishable by fines up to $15,000 or up to 5 years in prison. The bill directly affects businesses, government agencies, and any organization using biometric technology in New Jersey.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all correctional police officers in New Jersey state correctional facilities to wear body-worn cameras that record audio and video during most duties, with specific exceptions for restroom use, medical appointments, and certain meetings. It also mandates the Department of Corrections to install comprehensive security camera systems throughout facilities, including blind spots and common areas, with requirements for continuous monitoring by officers and systematic review of footage. The legislation sets minimum retention periods for recordings (180 days), extending to three years for recordings involving complaints, disciplinary actions, or criminal investigations, while establishing procedures for inmate access to footage. These requirements apply directly to correctional officers, inmates, and the Department of Corrections, with disciplinary actions outlined for noncompliance.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey county and municipal police departments to create designated safe areas on their property for in-person exchanges of items listed on classified websites (like Craigslist). It requires police to install video cameras in these areas for safety, prohibits police from regulating transactions or being held liable for crimes occurring there, and permits departments to run public awareness campaigns with safety tips. The bill directly affects residents using online classifieds for sales, police departments establishing these zones, and public safety efforts around transaction risks. It also mandates the Attorney General to notify all relevant police departments about this new authority.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Interagency Council on Homelessness within New Jersey's Department of Community Affairs to replace the existing Homelessness Prevention Task Force. The council, composed of 24 members including state agency leaders and public representatives (with at least two members who have experienced homelessness and two with housing expertise), will advise the Office of Homelessness Prevention and develop recommendations for coordinating services, identifying funding, and creating permanent housing solutions. It must produce an annual report for the Governor and Legislature detailing its findings and proposals. The council directly affects state agencies, homeless service providers, advocacy groups, and people experiencing or at risk of homelessness through its collaborative policy development process.

Maddy summaryAJR 65 designates the date of the second new moon following the winter solstice (or the third if a leap month is needed) as "Lunar New Year" in New Jersey. The resolution requests the Governor to issue an annual proclamation recognizing this date and encourages schools and cultural institutions to observe it with appropriate activities. It directly acknowledges the cultural significance of Lunar New Year for New Jersey's Asian American and Pacific Islander communities, which make up approximately 10% of the state's population. This symbolic gesture does not create a legal holiday but formally recognizes traditions celebrated by many residents.

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies that a buyer who purchased property for less than fair market value can be included as a party in a foreclosure case for tax-delinquent property if the seller provides written certification about a licensed appraisal or acknowledges the right to an appraisal but sells for less. It maintains existing exceptions allowing family members or buyers from judicial sales to join foreclosure cases without this certification. The bill applies to New Jersey foreclosure proceedings involving property sold due to unpaid taxes or municipal liens. This change ensures clarity for buyers and sellers in these specific foreclosure scenarios.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Corrections to provide reunification therapy (counseling sessions) to inmates and their immediate family members before an inmate's release. It applies to inmates scheduled for release within six months (offering immediate participation) or nine months (requiring notification six months prior). Sessions must occur virtually with the inmate and in person with family at approved locations like contracted mental health offices or nonprofit reentry centers, with individual counseling available if family declines participation. The bill also mandates the Department to seek supplemental funding through public-private partnerships and provide information about reentry resources to participating inmates.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A543) requires all newly-manufactured school buses in New Jersey to have GPS systems that track their real-time location and speed. It directly affects school bus manufacturers and school districts purchasing new buses, as they must install the GPS equipment. The law takes effect 180 days after enactment, and the State Board of Education will create rules for installation and data use. The requirement applies only to buses made on or after that effective date.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's Assembly Resolution AR 69 urges the federal government to continue the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program, which forgives student loans for public service workers after 120 qualifying payments. The resolution opposes the elimination of the program as proposed in the 2021 federal budget, noting that as of 2019, PSLF had forgiven $100 million for 1,565 public service workers in fields like teaching, firefighting, and healthcare. It does not change federal law but calls on the President and Congress to maintain the program, which requires full-time public sector employment and income-driven repayment plans. The resolution is non-binding and addresses the federal government to preserve a key incentive for public service careers.