Asm. Annette Quijano

Maddy summaryThis bill requires businesses in New Jersey that receive financial aid from the Economic Development Authority to stop paying different wages to men and women for similar work. To comply, these companies must follow new rules and submit written proof to the Authority showing they do not discriminate based on sex when setting pay. The law defines gender discrimination as paying one sex less than the other for jobs requiring similar skill, effort, and responsibility. It applies to various business types, including corporations, partnerships, and non-profits, that receive loans, grants, or tax incentives from the state agency.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a public awareness and education program for Parkinson's disease within the New Jersey Department of Health. The program aims to educate the public and healthcare professionals about the disease's symptoms, diagnosis, treatment options, and lifestyle management. It authorizes the department to create outreach campaigns and educational materials while allowing the acceptance of federal grants or donations to fund these efforts. The legislation directly impacts state health officials, medical providers, and the general public by promoting better understanding and early detection of the condition.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Office of New Americans within New Jersey's Department of Human Services to support immigrants, refugees, and their children. The office will serve as a central hub for expertise and data, providing technical assistance, training, and recommendations to other state agencies on issues affecting these communities. It also mandates that hiring decisions for the office consider candidates with lived experience or work history in New American communities. The legislation aims to improve access to services and foster successful integration for these residents.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs to update the Truth in Renting Guide to include specific information about discriminatory housing practices related to rental subsidies. The amendment mandates that the guide explicitly state it is illegal for landlords to refuse to rent to individuals using Section 8 vouchers or other lawful rental subsidies, as well as to advertise such refusals. By adding these details, the bill aims to inform tenants and landlords that housing vouchers are considered a protected source of lawful income under the state's Law Against Discrimination. The updated guide must be available in both English and Spanish and posted on the department's website annually. This change directly affects landlords, tenants, and the general public by clarifying existing legal protections against discrimination based on income sources.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes local governments in New Jersey to charge a convenience fee of up to $3 when citizens pay bills using credit cards, debit cards, or electronic funds transfers. The legislation directly affects municipal units, such as courts and libraries, by allowing them to collect these fees to cover the administrative costs of processing electronic payments. While permitting the new fees, the bill also clarifies that these government entities must continue to offer traditional payment options like cash, checks, and money orders for those who prefer them.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes minimum health and safety standards and oversight for state prisons, county jails, and privately-operated secure facilities in New Jersey. It requires privately-run detention centers to obtain a compliance certificate from a new oversight board before they can operate, ensuring they meet specific rules for food, water, sanitation, and space. The legislation mandates concrete conditions such as three daily meals, unlimited clean water, daily access to showers and natural light, and at least 100 square feet of sleeping space per person. Additionally, it guarantees detainees access to legal representation, free communication devices, and regular in-person visitation, including accommodations for children and elderly visitors.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires nonprofit organizations, public agencies, and businesses in New Jersey to display a notice stating they received state funds or economic development subsidies on their promotional materials and public event signage. The requirement applies specifically to written communications sent to media outlets and placards or banners used at public events where goods or services are provided to the public, though it exempts meetings held under open public meeting laws. An economic development subsidy is defined as any financial assistance, such as grants, loans, or tax credits, valued over $500 intended to stimulate economic growth, while excluding routine government procurement contracts. The State Treasurer is tasked with creating specific rules to enforce these transparency measures, which will apply to the fiscal year beginning after the bill is enacted.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a three-year "Sexual Violence Restorative Justice Pilot Program" administered by New Jersey's Attorney General to provide trauma-informed restorative justice services for survivors of sexual violence, including those who chose not to report the crime to police. It requires the Attorney General to partner with organizations specializing in trauma care (not affiliated with law enforcement) to design and run the program, emphasizing survivor autonomy - participants may join or leave at any time - and mandates strict confidentiality for all communications related to the program, protecting them from use in court. The program will serve survivors statewide (replacing the prior requirement for specific county locations) and must be evaluated within 90 days of completion, with a report recommending whether to continue, expand, or make it permanent. The bill amends existing law by removing the requirement to compensate partner organizations and updating service delivery parameters.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes clear standards for courts to determine if a rent increase is "unconscionable" (extremely unfair), directly affecting landlords and tenants in New Jersey. Courts must consider factors like the rent amount, landlord expenses, comparable local rents (including HUD data), tenant bargaining power, and property condition, with landlords bearing the burden of proof. It also excludes certain eviction court records from public access - specifically dismissed cases and cases where possession was granted over seven years ago - while exempting rent-controlled properties or regulated housing programs. The law codifies existing court practices to provide consistent, objective criteria for rent disputes.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits telecommunications, utility, and cable companies from charging customers' credit cards or bank accounts before the regular billing due date that would apply if the customer paid by cash, check, or money order. It directly affects customers who use automatic payment methods (credit card or direct debit) for their service bills. Companies may only charge early if the customer provides written consent or requests it via phone or another method approved by the Board of Public Utilities. The Board of Public Utilities will enforce these rules, ensuring customers have clear control over payment timing. The bill prevents unexpected early charges without explicit customer agreement.