Asm. Michele Matsikoudis

Maddy summaryThis bill, "Max's Law," requires New Jersey public school districts to include age-appropriate instruction about fentanyl and xylazine dangers in health classes for students in grades 6 through 12. The curriculum must cover prevention, symptoms of poisoning, emergency response, and relevant laws protecting those seeking help. School districts must use resources from federal agencies like the CDC and NIH, and the state education department will provide materials and post online resources for staff, students, and parents. The law takes effect immediately, applying to the first full school year after enactment, with annual reports evaluating its impact on youth drug use and poisoning.

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies that New Jersey real estate salespersons and broker-salespersons may form limited liability companies (LLCs) or other legal entities to receive their commissions, without changing their business relationship with their employing broker. It explicitly permits salespersons to accept commissions directly from their own LLC or entity, provided this arrangement aligns with their written agreement with the broker. The New Jersey Real Estate Commission will establish a registration process for these entities to ensure compliance. The law takes immediate effect.

Maddy summaryAJR 231 designates March 9 of each year as U.S. Hostage and Wrongful Detainee Day in New Jersey. It requests the Governor to annually display the Hostage and Wrongful Detainee Flag at the State Capitol and encourage other state and local government buildings to do the same on March 9 and other specified commemorative dates. The resolution recognizes Americans held hostage or wrongfully detained, referencing historical cases like Robert A. Levinson’s abduction and recent incidents. This is a symbolic gesture with no new legal requirements, focusing on observance rather than policy changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the sale, distribution, import, export, or propagation of specific invasive plant species in New Jersey without a permit from the Department of Agriculture. It establishes a New Jersey Invasive Species Council to help identify and manage invasive species, and requires the Department to develop a list of regulated species based on ecological harm rather than just non-nativeness. Businesses selling plants will need permits for regulated species and must provide labeling and educational materials to consumers about preventing spread. The bill sets up a penalty system for violations, with fines up to $5,000 for repeat offenses. Certain plant cultivars of Chinese Silvergrass (NCMS1 and Tift M77) are exempt from the requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill eliminates tiered retirement benefits in New Jersey's Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS), moving all current non-retired members to the "Tier 1" benefit level previously available to members who joined before July 1, 2007. It requires public employers to enroll eligible employees (earning above minimum salary but not meeting hour requirements) into PERS within 60 days, and automatically transfers service credit from the Defined Contribution Retirement Program (DCRP) to PERS for DCRP participants - without transferring their contributions - unless they opt out within six months. Disability recipients under long-term insurance become eligible for disability retirement benefits if they apply within two years. Changes apply only to retirement applications processed after the bill's effective date.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates New Jersey's Law Against Discrimination to specifically protect current military service members and veterans from discrimination. It adds "service in the Armed Forces of the United States or liability for service" as a protected class, making it illegal for employers to discriminate against or deny reemployment to people who take time off for military service. The bill also updates gendered language in the law, replacing terms like "soldier, sailor, marine" with gender-neutral language. These changes strengthen protections for military personnel and veterans in employment, housing, and public accommodations.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits pet shops in New Jersey from selling cats, dogs, or rabbits, repealing the previous "Pet Purchase Protection Act." It establishes a $500 fine for violations and allows pet shops to sell other animals or pet supplies, while enabling collaboration with shelters to showcase adoptable animals without exchanging payment. The bill defines "unfit for purchase" for animals and specifies that an animal's death within 14 days of sale (except by accident) would be considered evidence of being unfit. It also prohibits animal rescue organizations, shelters, and pounds from obtaining animals from breeders or brokers in exchange for compensation. The law does not affect pet dealers (not pet shops) or consumer rights for animals purchased from them.

Maddy summaryThis bill permits New Jersey's Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) to accept voluntary donations, grants, or gifts from the public and private sectors specifically for creating veteran suicide prevention public service announcements (PSAs). The funds received would be deposited into a special nonlapsing state fund managed by the State Treasurer and must be used exclusively for producing these PSAs. It directly affects the DMVA's funding mechanisms for suicide prevention outreach, allowing it to supplement existing efforts without requiring new state appropriations. The bill does not change existing suicide prevention programs but creates a new funding pathway for PSAs through private or public contributions.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A5455) changes the quorum requirement for New Jersey's Commission on Human Trafficking. Currently, the 17-member commission needs 9 members present to conduct business, but vacancies often prevent this. The bill authorizes the commission to exercise its powers and duties when a majority of its *current* members are present, rather than requiring a fixed 9-member quorum. This change aims to ensure the commission can function effectively despite staffing gaps. The commission evaluates trafficking laws, reviews victim services, and promotes awareness - key duties that were previously hindered by quorum issues.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Governor's Survivor Leader Advisory Council within New Jersey's Department of Health to address human trafficking risks linked to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The council, composed of nine human trafficking survivors with relevant expertise, must evaluate existing anti-trafficking laws, review assistance programs, and develop public awareness campaigns - including hotlines and signage - before and during the event. It is required to submit a detailed report with specific recommendations to the Governor and Legislature within 240 days, covering best practices, law changes, and coordination with law enforcement. The bill appropriates $1 million to fund the council’s operations and mandates the Attorney General to issue guidelines for responding to trafficking risks during the World Cup.