Asm. Annette Quijano

Maddy summaryThis bill requires new hotels and multiple dwelling units (like apartment buildings) to install monitored carbon monoxide detectors that automatically alert emergency services if dangerous levels are detected. It applies specifically to newly constructed buildings built after the bill's enactment date. The key mechanism mandates that if a new building already has a monitored fire alarm system (which alerts the fire department), it must also include a monitored carbon monoxide system with the same emergency alert capability. The detectors must meet Underwriters Laboratories standard 2034 and be installed per rules set by the Community Affairs Commissioner.

Maddy summaryThis non-binding Assembly Resolution (AR 72) expresses New Jersey's opposition to President Trump's tariff policies, specifically targeting 25% tariffs on steel/aluminum and cars/auto parts, plus a 10% universal import duty. It states the resolution will be formally transmitted to the President, Vice President, and U.S. Trade Representative. The resolution cites economic concerns, noting tariffs function as taxes that raise prices for consumers and businesses, increase living costs, and threaten New Jersey's economy - particularly its port-dependent trade. It does not alter any laws or impose new requirements, serving solely as a symbolic statement of opposition.

Maddy summaryThis bill, the "New Home Fire Safety Act," requires fire suppression systems in all newly constructed single and two-family homes in New Jersey (excluding manufactured homes and homes not connected to public water systems). It mandates that local officials cannot issue a certificate of occupancy until a fire suppression system meets state safety standards set by the Commissioner of Community Affairs. Key provisions include requiring systems to comply with specific technical codes, install separate shut-off valves, and include dedicated water meters for fire suppression. The requirement would apply to homes with construction permits issued after the bill's effective date (seven months post-enactment), but not to existing homes or those with permits approved before the bill takes effect.

Maddy summaryAJR 64 designates November of each year as "Transgender Awareness Month" in New Jersey. The resolution requests the Governor issue an annual proclamation encouraging public officials and citizens to observe the month with activities that raise awareness of transgender individuals' challenges, including discrimination and violence. It also recognizes the contributions and resilience of transgender people, referencing existing New Jersey observances for Transgender Awareness Week and Transgender Day of Remembrance. This is a symbolic designation with no new legal requirements or funding.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A-1154) requires doctors, physician assistants, and advanced practice nurses to obtain written or electronic consent before prescribing psychotropic medications (like those for ADHD) that carry the FDA’s strongest safety warning ("black box warning"). The consent must confirm the patient or their legal guardian was informed about serious potential side effects. If written consent isn’t possible, providers must document oral consent in the patient’s file. Violations could lead to disciplinary action by licensing boards. The bill affects patients receiving these specific medications and their healthcare providers.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires municipal courts in New Jersey to notify applicants for public defender services about any application fee (capped at $200) and the process to waive it if they cannot afford the fee. It directly affects low-income individuals applying for municipal public defender representation in municipalities that charge such fees under existing law. The key mechanism mandates that courts provide this notice to all applicants, ensuring they know how to request a fee waiver based on financial inability. The bill does not change the fee amount or waiver standard but ensures courts proactively inform applicants of their options.

Maddy summaryThis bill sets minimum liability coverage requirements for standard auto insurance policies in New Jersey. It mandates specific bodily injury limits ($15,000-$35,000 per person, $30,000-$70,000 for multiple people) and property damage coverage ($25,000 per accident), effective in phases starting in 2023. It also requires insurers to offer uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage up to $250,000 per person/$500,000 per accident, while prohibiting "stacking" multiple policies to exceed these limits. The law directly affects drivers purchasing standard auto insurance policies by ensuring minimum coverage levels for injuries and property damage claims.

Maddy summaryThis bill grants executors or administrators of an estate legal authority to manage the online accounts (including social media, email, and microblogging services) of a deceased person. It directly affects estate executors, families, and digital service providers by clarifying that these officials can access, delete, or administer such accounts without requiring additional court orders in all cases. The key provision explicitly permits these actions where otherwise legally authorized, aligning with similar laws in Oklahoma and other jurisdictions. The bill does not create new requirements but clarifies existing authority under probate procedures.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill establishes a three-year "Urban Gardening Pilot Program" administered by the Department of Agriculture, appropriating $100,000 to fund up to three urban gardening projects in low-income neighborhoods. The program provides grants of up to $35,000 each to qualified municipalities or nonprofits for creating community gardens in areas with high poverty rates (20%+ poverty or below 80% median income), requiring applicants to partner with agricultural experts to teach residents about growing food. Projects must aim to improve neighborhood conditions and foster community integration across diverse groups, with the department reporting on outcomes to the legislature after three years. The bill expires upon submission of this evaluation report.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a New Jersey state tax deduction for businesses that donate food from their inventory to qualified charities. It allows taxpayers to deduct the same amount for state income tax as they could claim under federal tax rules (as of December 2013) for donations of "apparently wholesome" food - meaning food meeting safety standards but unsellable due to appearance, age, or surplus. The deduction applies regardless of whether the business claims a federal charitable deduction. It directly affects New Jersey businesses that donate excess food inventory to IRS-qualified charitable organizations.