Asm. Reginald Atkins

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey news media outlets to label all AI-generated content with a clear "generative AI" label, credit original sources, and include a disclaimer that the content may not reflect source accuracy. It prohibits news organizations from using artificial intelligence to replace human journalists in reporting, research, or investigative work. The bill establishes the "Artificial Intelligence In Communications Oversight Committee" to study AI's impact on journalism jobs, wages, and content accuracy, and submit annual reports to the Governor and Legislature. Violations carry civil penalties of $10,000 for the first offense, increasing to $30,000 for repeat violations, enforceable by the Attorney General.

Maddy summaryThis bill reinstates automatic cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) for retirement benefits of certain retired police and firefighters in New Jersey's Police and Firemen's Retirement System (PFRS). It applies specifically to members who have been retired and receiving benefits for at least 10 years, excluding those hired after the bill's effective date, those in deferred retirement, and those with 20-24 years of service. The COLAs are tied to the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners, with benefits up to $75,000 receiving full adjustment, while higher benefits are capped at a 1% annual increase. The $75,000 threshold will adjust annually based on inflation, and the bill requires the Legislature to appropriate funds to cover both state and local costs for these adjustments.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends New Jersey's requirement that public bodies (like municipalities and school districts) may use newspapers for official public notices and legal advertisements - such as meeting schedules, bid solicitations, or ordinance publications - through March 1, 2025. It allows newspapers to be used regardless of format (print or digital) during this period, without charging extra fees for viewing digital notices or exceeding existing publication rates. The law ensures continuity for public notice requirements that previously had a deadline, covering both physical and electronic newspaper formats. It applies specifically to notices required under state law for public transparency.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey financial institutions (including banks, credit unions, and mortgage servicers) to allow mortgage borrowers to choose biweekly payments (every two weeks), bimonthly payments (twice monthly), and extra payments toward their mortgage principal without penalties. It directly affects homeowners with mortgages secured by residential properties (1-6 units) in New Jersey. The key provision mandates that any overpayment in biweekly plans must reduce the principal balance, while bimonthly payments must equal half the monthly amount. The law applies to all new mortgage agreements signed six months after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Division of Child Protection and Permanency (DCPP) to consult with the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) when a court finds that a person who abused or neglected a child has a developmental disability and qualifies for DDD services. It mandates DCPP to work with DDD to create a tailored services plan for that individual, considering their disability. DDD must then determine the most appropriate service methods based on the person's specific disability needs. The policy change applies directly to adults with developmental disabilities involved in child abuse/neglect cases who are eligible for DDD support, ensuring their treatment aligns with disability-specific care standards.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires telecom, cable, and internet providers in New Jersey to let customers cancel service contracts without early fees when moving to a long-term care facility for at least 90 days. It applies to individuals receiving a physician's referral or care plan for relocation to licensed facilities like nursing homes, assisted living, or dementia care homes. Customers must typically provide 45 days' notice (or 48 hours if a physician orders immediate relocation), and providers may request a physician's letter as proof. The bill does not relieve customers of equipment return fees or payments for equipment they already purchased.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's electric utilities to accept and process interconnection applications for grid supply solar facilities up to 20 megawatts in capacity. Utilities must approve applications unless they are incomplete (with feedback provided) or deemed unsafe (with modification recommendations), and facilities must pay interconnection costs while complying with utility tariffs. Approved facilities will be compensated in real-time for electricity supplied at the point of interconnection and remain eligible for state incentives with board approval. Utilities must also extend interconnection facilities at the applicant's cost to connect solar projects, following safety standards.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands New Jersey's affordable housing voucher program to cover homeownership costs, allowing low-income households to use state vouchers for down payments or monthly mortgage assistance instead of just rent. It specifically reserves funds for seniors aged 62+, veterans who completed the "Veterans Haven" program, and families participating in a self-sufficiency initiative. The program also creates a Home Repair Emergency Assistance Fund to cover necessary home repairs for participants. This change, now law as P.L.2024, c.98, directly affects eligible residents seeking homeownership support through the state's rental assistance framework.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health insurance plans in New Jersey to cover home medical care for disabled or elderly individuals (defined as those 65+ or with total permanent disability). It defines home care as preventative, primary, specialty, or urgent medical care provided in a person's home when they can't visit a health facility, excluding custodial care. Insurance companies, health maintenance organizations, and other health benefit plans must provide coverage for these services to the same extent as other medical treatments. The coverage applies to all types of health insurance contracts and requires documentation by health care professionals in medical records. This policy ensures people who need home-based medical care due to disability or age have insurance coverage for those services.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Artificial Intelligence Ethics Board within New Jersey's Department of Labor and Workforce Development. It requires companies selling AI technology in the state to conduct an "Artificial Intelligence Impact Assessment" annually before sale, analyzing privacy risks and potential job displacement. The board will set standards for these assessments and recommend worker protections, including one month's advance notice, employer-funded retraining, and severance for workers displaced by AI. The board will oversee AI use, emphasizing bias prevention and accountability, and consists of seven members appointed by state leadership with specific AI expertise.