Asm. Linda Carter

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits self-service storage facilities in New Jersey from charging late fees, pre-foreclosure fees, or unlock fees to customers who pay using government-issued vouchers (such as those from Work First New Jersey or other income assistance programs) when payment delays are caused by the voucher-issuing authority. It directly protects low-income residents using these assistance programs from punitive fees due to administrative delays beyond their control. Violations carry a $1,000 penalty for first offenses, with subsequent violations treated as consumer fraud under state law. The law takes immediate effect and applies to all self-storage facilities defined under state law.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey law enforcement officers to conduct a standardized danger assessment for individuals they reasonably believe are victims of domestic violence. The assessment, using a tool approved by the Attorney General, evaluates risk factors like recent violence, injuries, and weapon use to determine if a victim faces elevated risk of serious harm. If the assessment indicates high risk, officers must inform the victim and, with consent, connect them to crisis services or domestic violence support. The bill directly affects domestic violence victims, law enforcement officers, and service providers, focusing on immediate risk identification and assistance. It does not alter existing legal definitions or penalties but mandates specific protocols for officer response.

Maddy summaryThis bill caps residential rental application fees at $50 for most properties, prohibiting landlords or agents from charging more. Landlords violating this limit face a $1,500 penalty per offense, with $250 of each penalty returned to the tenant. The $50 cap automatically adjusts annually based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the New York-Northern New Jersey area if inflation exceeds zero, and the fee limit does not apply to single-family or two-family homes. The bill also requires the Division of Consumer Affairs to create an online system for tenants to report violations.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 430) requires that only registered design professionals (like architects or engineers) or employees certified by the state as fire escape contractors may install, service, repair, inspect, or maintain fire escapes in New Jersey. It directly affects contractors working on fire escapes and building owners requiring these services. The key provision creates a certification requirement for fire escape contractors, enforced by the Commissioner of Community Affairs, to ensure qualified personnel handle these critical safety systems. The bill does not apply to other fire protection equipment like sprinklers or alarms.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the New Jersey Legislative Youth Council, composed of 40 youth members aged 18-25 who are New Jersey residents for at least 10 years and represent each legislative district. The council advises the Legislature and state policymakers on youth-related issues - including mental health, school safety, and economic opportunities - and submits biennial policy recommendations. The Secretary of Higher Education selects a state institution of higher education to host the council, appoint a coordinator, and provide administrative support, with the coordinator overseeing operations and reporting to the Legislature. The council must reflect racial, gender, geographic, and economic diversity in its membership.

Maddy summaryAJR 60 designates April 11 of each year as "Black Doula Day" in New Jersey to recognize the role of Black doulas in maternal health. The resolution coincides with Global Black Doula Day and aims to honor professionals who provide continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to birthing people before, during, and after childbirth. It does not create new policies or funding but requests the Governor issue an annual proclamation. This symbolic measure follows New Jersey’s status as the third state to cover doula care via Medicaid and highlights ongoing racial disparities in maternal health outcomes, where Black mothers are over seven times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white mothers.

Maddy summaryThis ceremonial Assembly Resolution (AR 25) formally recognizes Hinchliffe Stadium in Paterson, New Jersey - as one of the nation’s two surviving Negro League stadiums - and the annual football rivalry game between Montclair State University and William Paterson University held there. It does not create new laws or funding but publicly affirms the stadium’s historical significance and the cultural value of the university game. The resolution directs copies to university leaders, the Governor, relevant legislators, and the New Jersey Historical Society to support ongoing preservation and community engagement efforts. It specifically aims to honor the stadium’s legacy in African American sports history and promote its educational role.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A 1747) allows mail-in voters to fix ballots rejected due to a missing certificate. It requires county election boards to send a "Cure Letter" within 24 hours of rejection, explaining the issue and providing a simple form to verify identity. Voters can cure the error by providing basic ID details (like a driver's license number or last four SSN digits) or acceptable documents (e.g., utility bill), without needing a sworn affidavit, within 48 hours before election results are certified. The bill directly affects voters who accidentally omit the required certificate when mailing ballots, ensuring their votes can still be counted if they correct the error promptly.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a grant program to support scientific conferences hosted by New Jersey's institutions of higher education. It appropriates $250,000 from the General Fund to cover costs like event space rentals, speaker fees, travel, and lodging for these events. Grants cannot be used for food or unrelated vendor expenses. Institutions must apply with conference details, speaker credentials, and cost information to receive funding. The program becomes effective immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill imposes a 1% administrative fee on contracts awarded to out-of-state contractors who work under New Jersey's Prevailing Wage Act (P.L.1963, c.150) and Public Works Contractor Registration Act (P.L.1999, c.238). It directly affects contractors whose principal business is outside New Jersey (excluding temporary satellite offices), requiring them to pay this fee based on the total contract value. Contractors may subtract costs they already paid for state business registration from the fee amount. The collected fee is deposited into the state General Fund and applies immediately to all contracts awarded after the bill's enactment.