Asm. Don Guardian

Maddy summaryBill A3276 prohibits New Jersey's Motor Vehicle Commission and other state agencies from sharing New Jersey drivers' personal information (such as name, address, license number, or photo) with other states. It specifically blocks disclosure for out-of-state enforcement of speed camera or red light camera violations captured in those states. The bill defines "personal information" broadly and applies to violations recorded by automated systems like speed control devices or traffic signal monitoring systems. This directly affects New Jersey drivers who might otherwise face fines from other states using camera enforcement, without their personal data being shared. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill suspends fines for small businesses on first-time paperwork violations related to state agency requirements, defined as businesses with 50 or fewer full-time employees meeting federal small business standards. It requires businesses to correct violations within six months to qualify for the suspension, unless the violation involves tax collection, poses serious public harm, or interferes with criminal investigations. For violations deemed a public safety danger, agencies may still suspend fines if the business corrects the issue within 24 hours of notification. The bill does not apply to repeat violations or certain tax-related offenses.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 3650) creates a behavioral health court pilot program in New Jersey, allowing courts to place eligible defendants in treatment instead of jail. It directly affects individuals convicted of non-violent offenses who need behavioral health services (mental health or substance abuse treatment), meet specific eligibility criteria (e.g., no prior violent convictions, no firearm involvement, and a professional assessment confirming treatment need). Key mechanisms include court-ordered behavioral health special probation (1-3 years), mandatory treatment at licensed facilities, regular progress reporting by providers and probation departments, and consequences for violations (including potential probation revocation). The pilot would operate in at least two counties and five municipalities that apply to participate.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires county recording offices to notify property owners if a quitclaim deed is submitted for recording on their property, giving owners a 10-12 business day window to review the transaction before it's recorded. Property owners can proactively request this notification by providing contact details (mail or email) to the county office. The bill mandates that recording officers delay finalizing the deed for at least 10 business days after sending the notification, aiming to prevent fraudulent transfers. It directly affects property owners and county recording officers, adding a verification step specifically for quitclaim deeds.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all public and nonpublic school districts in New Jersey to implement annual baseline concussion testing for student-athletes and cheerleaders in grades six through 12. Schools must develop written concussion policies by 2011-2012 (with updates after this bill's enactment) that include this testing, and they must distribute annual educational materials to parents about head injuries. Medical evaluations for suspected concussions must reference the most recent baseline test results. The law also updates athletic trainer licensing requirements to include concussion education. It directly affects student-athletes and cheerleaders in grades 6-12 participating in school sports or cheerleading programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires owners of low-speed electric bicycles and scooters (defined as vehicles under 25 mph) to maintain insurance and register with the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC). Owners must complete an MVC-developed online safety training module as part of registration, and vehicles must display a registration label. The law does not require operators to have a driver's license. Registration expires after 11 months, and the MVC will maintain records of all registrations.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A 3669) requires colleges and universities to provide clear information about the dependent care allowance to students with dependents. Specifically, institutions must include details on how to request this federal allowance - covering expenses for caring for dependents - on financial aid "shopping sheets," their websites, and paper application materials. The allowance increases a student’s calculated cost of attendance, potentially making them eligible for more financial aid. The bill directly affects student parents and institutions of higher education in New Jersey, aiming to improve transparency around this benefit.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A3654) clarifies the definition of "harassment, intimidation, or bullying" under New Jersey's Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act to explicitly state that the motivating characteristic need not be limited to the examples listed (such as race, gender, or disability). It expands the scope to include any characteristic that could motivate bullying, making the definition more inclusive. The change directly affects students in New Jersey public schools by ensuring protections cover bullying based on characteristics beyond the previously specified examples. The amendment applies to all school settings, including online communications, and focuses on conduct that disrupts school order or creates a hostile environment.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows eligible New Jersey educators (teachers in public or nonpublic K-12 schools) to deduct up to $1,200 from their taxable income for unreimbursed classroom supply expenses. It defines "classroom supplies" as items like books, pencils, computers, lab equipment, and other daily teaching materials. The deduction applies only to expenses not covered by the school and takes effect after enactment for future tax years. The bill does not change tax rates but provides a direct tax benefit for educators covering out-of-pocket costs.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's bill A 3682 creates criminal penalties for using drones to assist in committing offenses. It sets a fourth-degree crime for drone use in minor offenses (like disorderly conduct) and raises the penalty one degree higher for more serious crimes. The law specifically prohibits drone activity near prisons without permission, interfering with emergency responders, taking wildlife with drones, or operating under the influence, and requires forfeiture of the drone upon conviction. This applies to anyone using a drone in these prohibited ways.