Asm. Annette Quijano

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill prohibits law enforcement agencies and other users of automated license plate readers from sharing that information with out-of-state authorities for investigations related to reproductive health care services that are legal in the state. The legislation requires any out-of-state agency requesting such data to provide a written guarantee that the information will not be used to pursue legal action against individuals seeking or providing reproductive health care. Violations of these sharing restrictions could result in civil penalties of up to $1,000 for a first offense and $5,000 for subsequent offenses. The law applies to all reproductive health services, including pregnancy-related care, contraception, and abortion, and takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey to join the Women's Reproductive Health Care Compact, a multi-state agreement. The compact requires member states to work together to protect patients and providers who seek or provide reproductive health care across state lines. Key provisions include preventing extradition or investigations against those involved in care, blocking forced disclosure of medical records, stopping penalties against providers (like license suspensions or insurance hikes), and banning data collection about patients' travel, costs, or barriers to care. It directly affects New Jersey residents traveling for care, out-of-state providers serving New Jersey patients, and medical facilities operating across participating states. The compact does not change New Jersey's own abortion laws but focuses on interstate cooperation to safeguard access.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires new townhouses in New Jersey to include automatic fire sprinkler systems in their construction permits, effective 25 months after the law's enactment. It exempts townhouse projects that submitted permit applications or development plans to local agencies before February 2024 (the date of P.L.2024, c.42). The law amends existing construction codes to align with the 2021 International Residential Code for sprinkler system design and installation. The Commissioner of Community Affairs must adopt implementing rules within 13 months of enactment. This directly affects developers and builders constructing new townhouse projects after the specified deadline.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey's Law Against Discrimination to explicitly prohibit discrimination based on membership in a labor organization, such as a union or employee representation group. It clarifies the definition of "labor organization" to include any group formed for collective bargaining, grievance resolution, or mutual aid related to employment. The change ensures employees cannot face unfair treatment (e.g., in hiring, promotion, or termination) due to their union affiliation. This applies to all employers covered by the law, including state and local government entities, and aligns existing protections with current labor practices. The bill does not create new prohibitions but makes the law's coverage of labor organization membership clear and enforceable.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires businesses that collect or handle personal information of New Jersey residents (such as Social Security numbers, driver's license details, or financial account data) to create and maintain written information security programs. These programs must include risk assessments, employee training, secure data storage policies, and oversight of third-party service providers. Businesses must implement administrative, technical, and physical safeguards tailored to their size, resources, and the data they handle. The law aims to prevent security breaches that could lead to identity theft or fraud for New Jersey residents.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Health (DOH) to create a mobile assistance program for seniors within 180 days. The program will deploy staffed vehicles to nursing homes, senior centers, low-income housing, and community events across the state. It provides direct help with practical needs like completing applications, accessing health services, using technology, transportation, tax assistance, and legal support. The DOH must develop this using existing funds and establish necessary rules under state law. The bill directly affects seniors, particularly those in low-income housing or with limited mobility who need hands-on help with daily services.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution (ACR 114) expresses New Jersey's support for establishing a "Farmers Bill of Rights," which would outline key rights for farmers including fair market access for seeds and goods, preservation of farmland, transparent labeling, and the ability to repair equipment. It does not create new laws but urges the U.S. Congress to pass similar legislation (referencing Senate Concurrent Resolution 36 of 2020) and asks federal/state agencies to support farmers. The resolution directly addresses New Jersey's agricultural community, which contributes billions to the state economy through diverse crop production. As a non-binding resolution, it has no legal effect but aims to raise awareness about corporate concentration issues affecting farmers.

Maddy summaryAJR 124 establishes the "New Jersey Domestic Violence and Legal Access Task Force" to study unmet legal needs in domestic violence cases. The task force will examine how lack of legal counsel affects both plaintiffs (victims seeking restraining orders) and defendants (those defending against allegations), citing that 83% of represented victims obtain restraining orders versus 32% without counsel. Comprised of 16 members including survivors, legal professionals, and court officials, the task force will assess impacts on safety, rights, and outcomes in these cases. This resolution does not create new law but directs a study to inform future policy on legal access in domestic violence proceedings.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all New Jersey counties and municipalities to adopt an anti-sexual harassment policy that aligns with federal guidelines. The policy must define sexual harassment, cover all employees and third parties doing business with local governments, include complaint procedures, protect confidentiality, prohibit retaliation, and specify disciplinary actions. The state will create a model policy within six months of enactment, and local governments must adopt it or submit their own approved policy within 90 days. If a local government's proposed policy is rejected, it must adopt the state model within 30 days.

Maddy summaryThis bill permits New Jersey municipalities to prioritize first responders - such as police officers and firefighters - for affordable housing units that are part of their required fair share of low- and moderate-income housing. Municipalities that choose to adopt this preference can set aside specific units for first responders when allocating affordable housing, without changing their overall housing obligations. The change adds this option as a new technique within existing state law governing affordable housing requirements. It does not mandate any municipality to implement this policy, only allows them to do so if they choose.