Asm. Linda Carter

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 2085) establishes the "Innovation Partnership" to provide state funding for nonprofit organizations that support emerging technology businesses in New Jersey. It directly affects emerging tech companies in fields like cybersecurity, biotechnology, renewable energy, and advanced materials - particularly minority-owned and women-owned businesses (defined as having at least 51% ownership by minorities or women). The key mechanism creates a state-funded "Fund" administered by the Commission on Science, Innovation and Technology, which will certify nonprofit "Innovation Partners" to provide financial assistance and resources to qualifying businesses. The bill requires these nonprofits to prioritize support for minority and women-led tech ventures, aiming to strengthen New Jersey's innovation ecosystem through targeted funding. The bill is pending before the Assembly Science, Innovation and Technology Committee.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill criminalizes the creation, sale, or use of fake COVID-19 vaccination verification cards. It imposes penalties including up to 10 years in prison and $150,000 fines for selling or making fake cards (second-degree crime), up to 5 years and $15,000 for displaying them (third-degree), and up to 18 months and $10,000 for possessing them (fourth-degree). The Attorney General must establish a fraud prevention program within 30 days, using confidential data from the state's immunization system solely to investigate fake card cases. The program targets individuals and businesses involved in producing or distributing counterfeit cards to falsely claim vaccination status.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new licensing pathway for non-hospital inpatient mental health facilities in New Jersey that provide mid-to-long-term care (45-120 days) for adolescents (12-21) and adults. It directly affects individuals needing comprehensive mental health treatment beyond short-term hospital stays, as well as mental health professionals and private facility operators seeking to establish such services. Key provisions require facilities to meet strict standards, including accreditation, minimum staffing ratios (with trauma-informed therapists), mandatory staff training, personalized treatment plans, and annual facility inspections. Additionally, the bill mandates a state workforce program to address mental health professional shortages through training grants, loan forgiveness, and salary incentives.

Maddy summaryThis proposed New Jersey bill (A 1931) prohibits auto insurance companies from using a person's educational level, occupation, or credit score to set insurance rates or determine policyholders' risk tiers. It also bans insurers from asking applicants about these factors during the application process. The law would require insurers to file all underwriting rules with the state commissioner and apply them uniformly statewide. If passed, this would directly affect all auto insurance applicants and policyholders in New Jersey who might have previously faced higher rates based on these factors. The bill is currently pending before the Assembly Financial Institutions and Insurance Committee.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A 2098) prohibits institutions of higher education and certain proprietary schools from withholding student transcripts due to unpaid debts of $2,000 or less for non-mandatory charges (like campus fees, not tuition or room/board). It specifically bans institutions from refusing transcripts, charging extra fees, or conditioning transcript access on debt payment for qualifying students. Exceptions apply for unpaid tuition/room/board debts, debts exceeding $2,000, or students needing transcripts for new student loans. The bill also requires institutions to post transcript policies online and clarifies that transcript access does not forgive debt or affect diploma issuance. Note: This bill was withdrawn as it was already enacted as P.L.2025, c.353.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires certain transportation providers - including ferry operators, New Jersey Transit, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, and the Delaware River Port Authority - to develop and publish route schedules. Providers must post schedules at transportation facilities and on their websites, updating them within 30 days of any changes. The law directly affects passengers using these services by improving access to real-time schedule information. It amends existing statutes to mandate these transparency measures, with penalties for noncompliance (e.g., $1 per day for ferry operators failing to post schedules). Note: The bill was withdrawn after being superseded by P.L.2025, c.260.

Maddy summaryThis bill adds "source of lawful income" to New Jersey's list of protected categories in housing, prohibiting discrimination by landlords or housing providers. It directly affects renters and homeowners who use lawful income sources (such as government benefits, disability payments, or child support) for housing payments. The law expands existing protections under the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination to explicitly cover this factor, making it illegal to refuse housing, impose different terms, or harass someone based on how they pay rent or a mortgage. The amendment clarifies that victims can seek remedies like damages for discrimination-related harms, including economic loss or emotional distress. (Note: The bill was withdrawn as redundant after similar protections were enacted as P.L.2025, c.251.)

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey colleges and universities to maintain a supply of naloxone nasal spray (for opioid overdose emergencies) in secure, accessible campus locations and develop a campus policy for its emergency use. It directly affects institutions of higher education, licensed campus medical staff, and designated campus personnel like resident assistants who may administer naloxone after required training. Key provisions include mandating hospital transport for overdose victims after naloxone use, permitting trained non-medical staff to administer the drug in good faith, and providing liability protection for those acting in compliance with the law. The policy must be developed with guidance from the state’s higher education and human services departments.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill allows school districts to count virtual or remote instruction days toward meeting the state's 180-day school year requirement when schools close for more than three consecutive days due to declared emergencies (like severe weather or public health crises). It requires districts to submit approved virtual programs to the education commissioner, ensuring equal access for all students - including those with disabilities - and that virtual days count for attendance, graduation credits, and course completion. The bill also mandates guidance on addressing technology access gaps, impacts on school meals and standardized testing, and ensures teachers covered by collective bargaining agreements receive full compensation during closures. It directly affects public school districts, charter schools, and their staff during emergency closures.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Law Enforcement Critical Mental Health Assistance Grant Program within New Jersey's Department of Human Services, appropriating $3 million to provide confidential mental health services. It directly affects law enforcement officers and their immediate family members (spouses, domestic partners, children, or parents living with the officer) who are in a mental health crisis or suicidal. The program awards grants to licensed mental health providers to deliver these services, with priority given to providers located within one hour of where clients live to reduce travel barriers. The Commissioner of Human Services will manage applications, publish approved providers online, and oversee implementation once funded.