Asm. Linda Carter

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's Assembly Bill A3036, the "SAFER APP" program, authorizes the Attorney General to order navigation app providers (like Google Maps or Waze) to reroute traffic during declared emergency conditions. Municipalities can request an investigation into traffic emergencies - such as highway congestion, emergency vehicle delays, or accident hotspots - by adopting a resolution approved by the Transportation Commissioner within 90 days. If an emergency is confirmed, the Attorney General can mandate navigation systems to divert traffic, with non-compliant providers facing daily fines up to $5,000 payable to the affected municipality. The bill directly affects navigation service companies and aims to improve emergency response by reducing traffic barriers.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes New Jersey to issue special license plates for the Lambda Theta Phi Latin Fraternity, Inc. Motor vehicle owners can apply for these plates by paying a $50 one-time fee and a $10 annual fee (in addition to standard registration costs). The fees collected, after covering administrative expenses, will fund a dedicated account that annually provides grants to support the fraternity's mission and programs. The program requires the fraternity to raise up to $25,000 from private sources and secure 500 applications before implementation, and it expires if these conditions aren't met within 12 months.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Human Services to share eligibility data for certain low-income assistance programs (like Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, SNAP, and Supplemental Security Income) with agencies managing energy assistance programs. It mandates that those agencies automatically enroll eligible households into utility bill payment assistance or energy efficiency programs without requiring separate applications. The policy directly affects households already receiving federal or state needs-based aid, streamlining access to energy help. Key provisions include data-sharing agreements between state departments and automatic enrollment for qualifying individuals, as permitted by federal law. The bill takes effect six months after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies New Jersey's child custody procedures by requiring courts to prioritize a child's expressed preference (when age-appropriate) and consider recommendations from the child's mental health professional in custody decisions. It restricts courts from ordering family therapy to reunite a parent and child without scientific evidence of its safety, effectiveness, and the child's willingness to participate. Courts must document reasons if they override a child's preference, and the State Board of Marriage and Family Therapy Examiners must develop professional standards for such therapy within 12 months. The bill directly affects courts, parents, children, and mental health professionals in custody cases.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs New Jersey's Department of Agriculture to promote state-produced aquaculture products (farm-raised fish and shellfish) through the existing Jersey Fresh Program. It requires an annual $100,000 appropriation from the General Fund to fund advertising and promotion of these products, which must meet department-established quality standards. The Department must also create a specific quality grading system for aquaculture products, distinct from wild-caught seafood, to verify their quality under the program. This directly benefits New Jersey aquaculture businesses by expanding market access for their products through state marketing efforts.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 2051 requires law enforcement officers to conduct a risk assessment for domestic violence victims who agree to participate. Officers must use the Ontario Domestic Assault Risk Assessment (ODARA) tool, gathering details on recent incidents, injuries, and weapon use. If the assessment indicates elevated risk of serious harm, officers must inform the victim and, with consent, connect them to crisis services or charge the suspect. The bill directly affects domestic violence victims (through consent-based assessments) and law enforcement officers (through mandated training and procedures).

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new crime for possessing digital instructions that could be used to 3D print firearms or firearm components without proper licensing. It targets individuals not licensed to manufacture firearms who knowingly possess these digital files, defined as computer-aided design files or other electronic instructions for programming 3D printers. Violating this law would be a third-degree crime punishable by up to five years in prison, a $15,000 fine, or both. The bill implements a recommendation from the New Jersey State Commission of Investigation to address this specific issue.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Commissioner of Education to create a single online application portal for substitute teachers seeking jobs at public schools. It mandates the portal be operational within 90 days of the bill's effective date, allowing substitute teachers to submit one application to multiple schools. The portal must help teachers connect with available positions, improve information sharing about openings, and maintain strong data privacy and security. School districts may still use their own hiring systems alongside the portal, and the Commissioner may hire a private vendor to manage it. The bill directly affects substitute teachers and public school employers across New Jersey.

Maddy summaryThis bill redefines "motorized bicycle" to include all pedal bicycles with electric motors that can provide assistance while pedaling or be used with a throttle for propulsion, removing the previous "low-speed electric bicycle" classification. As a result, owners must now obtain a valid driver's license (17+ with basic license or 15+ with specific motorized bicycle license), register their bicycles, and carry insurance. The bill provides a six-month grace period after enactment for owners to comply with these new requirements. It also requires law enforcement to report motorized bicycle accidents to the Motor Vehicle Commission and Department of Transportation, and mandates an annual report on motorized bicycle usage and safety.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes deputy county clerks in New Jersey to perform marriage and civil union ceremonies, which they were previously unable to do under state law. It amends statute R.S.37:1-13 to explicitly include "deputy county clerk" as an authorized official, alongside county clerks and other existing roles like judges and mayors. The change directly affects deputy county clerks statewide, expanding their official duties without requiring new training or certification. The bill does not alter requirements for other authorized officials or create new administrative processes.