Asm. Annette Quijano

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's AJR 80 is a symbolic resolution urging Congress to pass the "Do Not Disturb Act" to address the growing problem of spam and scam calls. It highlights that Americans received 2.1 billion spam/scam calls monthly in 2023 - wasting over 195 million hours - particularly harming seniors. The resolution notes the Supreme Court's 2021 ruling narrowed the TCPA's definition of robocall technology, allowing many modern scams to bypass current laws. The proposed "Do Not Disturb Act" would expand anti-robocall protections, combat AI-powered scams, and lower costs for consumer call-blocking technology.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires campus police officers at New Jersey schools to wear body cameras that record audio and video during official duties, with specific exceptions (like undercover work or medical emergencies). It directly affects campus police officers employed under New Jersey law (P.L.1970, c.211) who serve at public or private K-12 schools, youth facilities, or college campuses. Cameras must be activated during public encounters or calls for service but can be deactivated under limited circumstances, such as when minors are present, for medical requests, or per superior officer direction. Funding may come from forfeiture funds, federal grants, or other sources, as specified in the bill.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires public water suppliers in New Jersey to immediately notify local governments and schools whenever a serious drinking water violation occurs under federal EPA rules. Specifically, suppliers must contact municipal officials and school administrators (including charter schools, nonpublic schools, and colleges) via phone and email within the affected area. The notification must detail the contaminant, test results, locations of violations, and suggested remedies for affected customers. It applies to all public water systems and ensures transparency about water safety issues impacting communities and educational institutions.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows seasonal alcohol license holders (who currently can only sell beverages during specific summer or winter periods) to exchange their license for a full-year "plenary" license. It directly affects businesses operating under seasonal retail consumption licenses, enabling them to sell alcoholic beverages year-round without seasonal restrictions. The key mechanism requires licensees to surrender their seasonal license to the issuing authority, which then converts it to a plenary license. After conversion, licensees gain the same rights as full-year license holders, including selling alcohol 365 days annually. This change was enacted via P.L.2025, c.295, making the bill unnecessary.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's Bill A1696 updates optometrists' scope of practice by expanding their ability to provide eye care services. The bill allows optometrists to prescribe pharmaceutical agents (including controlled substances under specific conditions), administer immunizations for coronaviruses, flu, and shingles (for patients 18+), and perform minor procedures like removing superficial foreign bodies or treating chalazions. It also permits certain non-invasive laser/ultrasound treatments (e.g., trabeculoplasty) using only topical anesthesia, while explicitly prohibiting invasive eye surgery, orbital procedures, or general anesthesia. These changes apply to all optometrists practicing in New Jersey and require adherence to CDC guidelines for immunizations and reporting to the state immunization registry.

Maddy summaryThis bill exempts plastic materials processed at designated "advanced plastic processing facilities" from New Jersey's solid waste disposal and recycling laws. These facilities must transform plastic into non-fuel products (like chemicals or monomers) using methods such as pyrolysis, not into fuel. The exemption excludes PETE (code 1) and HDPE (code 2) plastics. Processors using these facilities avoid state recycling/disposal rules but remain subject to air/water pollution and land-use laws.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 1817) changes penalties for underage gambling in New Jersey from criminal charges to civil fines. It affects minors who gamble (under 21), casino employees who allow it, and adults responsible for minors who gamble. Instead of facing criminal penalties (like a "disorderly persons offense"), offenders now face civil fines: up to $500 for a first offense, $1,000 for a second, and $2,000 for third or subsequent offenses. All collected fines will be deposited into Atlantic City’s public safety services trust fund, to be used solely for public safety services. The change moves the issue from criminal to civil enforcement while directing funds to local public safety.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's public colleges and universities to provide incoming and enrolled students with information about federal food assistance programs like SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) and local resources. Specifically, institutions must include a link to the SNAP application and NJ 211 (a state service for human services referrals) in initial admission offers and semester registration emails. They must also share details about campus food pantries, meal swipe programs, or community food assistance options. The bill, which was withdrawn after being approved as P.L.2025, c.213, aims to address food insecurity among college students by improving access to existing support systems.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey Assembly Resolution (AR 108) formally condemns the Russian Federation and Vladimir Putin for actions leading to the death of opposition leader Alexei Navalny. It does not create new laws or affect any group directly; instead, it expresses legislative disapproval of Russia's treatment of Navalny, including his poisoning, imprisonment under harsh conditions, and death in 2024. The resolution specifies that copies will be sent to the U.S. Secretary of State, New Jersey’s congressional delegation, the Russian ambassador, and the UN representative. It is a procedural statement of condemnation, not a policy change.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's bill A 954, the "Sexual Assault Evidence Submission Act," requires law enforcement agencies to submit sexual assault forensic evidence (commonly called a "rape kit") to a designated lab within 10 business days of receipt. It mandates that labs analyze the evidence within six months of receipt, if staffing and resources allow, and establishes deadlines for agencies to report unsubmitted backlog cases (within 45 days) and arrange submission of past cases (within 180 days). Agencies must also submit a detailed analysis plan to state leaders within 120 days, including resource needs. Violations by officers incur civil penalties ($1,000-$5,000 per incident), though reasonable efforts to comply are exempt. The bill directly affects law enforcement agencies and forensic labs handling sexual assault cases in New Jersey.