Asm. Linda Carter

Maddy summaryThis bill (NJ A432) requires landlords in New Jersey to inspect rental properties within 90 days for lead service lines (pipes connecting water mains to buildings) or lead plumbing. If lead pipes are found, landlords must disclose this to current tenants and provide written notice about health risks to prospective tenants before new leases. Violations carry a $500 penalty per offense, with each day of noncompliance considered a separate violation. The law directly affects all landlords of residential rental properties in New Jersey and aims to ensure tenants are informed about potential lead exposure in drinking water.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a 20-member Chronic Absenteeism Task Force to study chronic absenteeism in New Jersey public schools. The task force, appointed by the Governor and legislative leaders, will analyze root causes - including mental health, school climate, pandemic impacts, and discipline policies - and research state best practices to develop recommendations. It must issue a final report to the Governor and Legislature within six months, focusing on strategies to improve school attendance and family engagement. The task force expires 30 days after submitting its report. This bill directly affects public school students and districts by addressing a growing issue: chronic absenteeism rose to 16.6% in 2022-2023, up from 10.6% pre-pandemic.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a 12-member Commission on Oversight of Public Institutions of Higher Education to examine and improve financial transparency, accountability, and oversight of New Jersey's public colleges and universities. The commission includes officials, college presidents, labor union representatives, faculty, and student representatives appointed by the Governor and legislative leaders. It will study tuition transparency, student outcomes, and institutional performance, then issue a report to the Governor and Legislature within 180 days of organizing. The commission's work expires 30 days after the report is submitted.

Maddy summaryAJR 96 designates July 30 of each year as "Clarence 'Coach C' Collins Day" to honor his 13-year service as a youth mentor at University Academy Charter High School in Jersey City. The bill recognizes his work developing academic and career workshops for at-risk students, reforming youth internship programs with the City Recreation Department, and founding community initiatives like the Woodlawn Avenue Block Association. It requests the Governor issue an annual proclamation to commemorate his legacy of supporting youth and strengthening community ties. This is a ceremonial resolution with no policy changes, solely celebrating Collins' impact on Jersey City's youth and community.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes requiring owners of low-speed electric bicycles (max 20 mph, pedal-assisted or motor-only) and low-speed electric scooters (max 19 mph) to register them with New Jersey's Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) and maintain liability insurance. It directly affects individuals who own or operate these specific vehicles, which are defined in the bill as having fully operable pedals, motors under 750 watts, and speed limits. Key mechanisms include mandatory MVC registration with fees, proof of insurance coverage, and a requirement for manufacturers to label vehicles with speed and motor details. The bill does not impose driver's license requirements or restrict operation on most roads/bike paths, but specifies registration is mandatory before operation. This is a proposed requirement (not yet law), introduced in 2026 and pending committee review.

Maddy summaryThis symbolic resolution (AR 74) urges recreational programs, swim schools, and swim teams to increase African-American youth participation in swim programs. It addresses a documented disparity where African-American children drown at rates 5-10 times higher than white children and face limited access to swimming opportunities due to historical segregation of pools. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but calls for voluntary action to combat racial stereotypes, expand access to pools in urban areas, and create future employment opportunities in swimming-related fields.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the sale of cosmetic and personal care products containing 1,4-dioxane above specific trace levels. It sets a maximum limit of 10 parts per million (ppm) for cosmetics and 2 ppm for personal care products (reducing to 1 ppm after two years), with the Department of Environmental Protection establishing these standards. Manufacturers may apply for a one-year waiver if they've reduced 1,4-dioxane levels but cannot comply, with a possible second waiver. The law takes effect one year after enactment, directly affecting product sellers and manufacturers in New Jersey.

Maddy summaryBill A3276 prohibits New Jersey's Motor Vehicle Commission and other state agencies from sharing New Jersey drivers' personal information (such as name, address, license number, or photo) with other states. It specifically blocks disclosure for out-of-state enforcement of speed camera or red light camera violations captured in those states. The bill defines "personal information" broadly and applies to violations recorded by automated systems like speed control devices or traffic signal monitoring systems. This directly affects New Jersey drivers who might otherwise face fines from other states using camera enforcement, without their personal data being shared. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands accidental death benefits for survivors of New Jersey Police and Firemen’s Retirement System (PFRS) members. It allows a "companion" (defined as an unmarried, cohabiting partner meeting specific criteria) to receive the 70% pension benefit - previously reserved for surviving spouses - when no spouse exists. The bill also requires adjusting the deceased member’s final retirement pay to calculate benefits for all survivors, including spouses, companions, and children. It applies to deaths occurring on or after January 1, 2023, with retroactive payments for eligible companions if approved within six months of the bill’s effective date. The bill is pending before the Assembly State and Local Government Committee.

Maddy summaryThis bill bans the sale of flavored cigarettes (except tobacco, clove, or menthol) and all flavored vapor products in New Jersey. It directly affects retail stores selling these products by requiring local health agencies to inspect them at least twice yearly. Retailers violating the flavor ban face escalating civil penalties ($250-$1,000 for cigarettes; $500-$2,000 for vapor products) and possible license suspension or revocation after repeated offenses. Violations also allow for seized products to be destroyed and fines paid to the municipality where the violation occurred.