Asm. Linda Carter

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey's cannabis regulations to streamline licensing for medical cannabis businesses. It requires the Cannabis Regulatory Commission to begin processing new cultivator, manufacturer, and dispensary permit applications within 90 days, while ensuring the first three alternative treatment centers (ATCs) are distributed across northern, central, and southern regions. The bill establishes "conditional permits" for at least one-third of all medical cannabis licenses, with requirements including income limits ($200,000 individual/$400,000 joint), background checks, and proof of local residency for key personnel. It also sets nonrefundable application fees and mandates a 90-day review timeline for permit applications. These changes directly affect new and existing medical cannabis businesses seeking licenses to operate in New Jersey.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 2180) requires New Jersey’s Department of Children and Families (DCF) and Department of Education (DOE) to create policies for handling child abuse and neglect during public health emergencies that limit in-person contact (like the pandemic). It directly affects children, families, school staff, and child protective workers by enabling remote investigations, case management, and access to services via phone or video. Key provisions include establishing remote reporting tools, public awareness campaigns about child safety during emergencies, mandatory online training for school staff on detecting abuse remotely, and collecting data on abuse reports during such crises. DCF must also analyze this data and report findings to the legislature within one year of the bill’s effective date.

Maddy summaryThis bill allocates an additional $1 billion in state funding specifically for after-school recreation programs in urban areas. The funds, managed by the Commissioner of Education, will directly support urban communities by improving playgrounds, pools, and recreational infrastructure; reopening closed parks; and creating mentorship programs with computer science, home economics, and life skills education. The money is designated for physical facility upgrades and educational programming, not for general school operations.

Maddy summaryThis bill eliminates the two-year time limit for filing civil lawsuits related to sexual assault or other sexual crimes against adults aged 18 or older. It allows victims to file lawsuits at any time, regardless of when the crime occurred. The law is retroactive, meaning it can revive civil cases previously dismissed solely because the statute of limitations had expired, but it does not apply to cases dismissed for other reasons or already finalized. It specifically affects civil claims, not criminal cases, and applies to all victims 18+ who were assaulted. The change takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution, not a policy bill. It formally expresses the New Jersey General Assembly's appreciation to all its staff members - including the Chief Clerk, committee staff, administrative personnel, and others - for their dedication and service during legislative sessions. The resolution commends their "outstanding dedication, cooperation, and excellent work" in supporting the Assembly's operations. It requires the Clerk to send copies of the resolution to every staff member. As a procedural measure, it has no legal effect or policy changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey Transit (NJT) to create and implement a mandatory training program for all motorbus regular route service operators (including contracted drivers). The training must cover four key areas: basic disability types (physical, sensory, intellectual, developmental), safe passenger assistance techniques, emergency procedures for passengers with disabilities, and resources from disability organizations. NJT must seek input from disability organizations before adopting or updating the curriculum and post the full curriculum online for public access. The policy directly affects NJT bus operators and aims to improve service for passengers with disabilities.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A 3702) makes it a fourth-degree crime for a landlord or property owner to knowingly rent a dwelling that qualifies as "illegal occupancy" (violating housing codes, zoning, or health/safety regulations) when that rental causes serious bodily injury or death to another person. Landlords convicted face up to 18 months in jail, a $10,000 fine, or both. The bill does not replace existing civil penalties for illegal occupancy but adds criminal liability specifically when harm occurs. It directly affects landlords who rent unsafe properties they knowingly allow to remain non-compliant.

Maddy summaryAJR 97 designates July of each year as "Uterine Fibroid Awareness Month" in New Jersey. The resolution aims to increase public awareness about uterine fibroids - a common noncancerous condition affecting 20-50% of reproductive-age women - and highlight its impact on quality of life, including symptoms like heavy bleeding and infertility. It specifically addresses racial disparities (with 80% of Black women developing fibroids by menopause) and gaps in research, urging support for affected individuals and further study into diagnosis and treatment. The bill requests the Governor issue an annual proclamation to encourage community engagement and promote state-level initiatives, without creating new programs or funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the New Jersey Center for the Study and Prevention of Suicide at Rutgers School of Public Health. It requires the center to research suicide causes, prevention strategies, and treatment options at individual and societal levels, while collaborating with state agencies like the Department of Health. The bill appropriates $500,000 from the General Fund to launch the center and mandates annual reports to the Governor and Legislature on its research, funding, and grant programs. The center may also accept additional grants or donations for suicide-related research.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires payment processors (merchant acquirers) to assign a specific international merchant category code for firearms and ammunition businesses starting May 1, 2027. It directly affects firearms merchants in New Jersey whose primary sales revenue comes from firearms, ammunition, or firearm accessories within the state. The law authorizes the Attorney General to enforce compliance, imposing a $10,000 civil penalty per violation if businesses fail to correct issues within 30 days of notice. Violations must be self-corrected by the business before penalties apply, with no private lawsuits allowed.