Rep. John DiMaio

Maddy summaryThis bill increases penalties for employers who violate New Jersey's wage and hour law. For first-time violations, fines rise from $100-$1,000 to $500-$1,000; second violations increase to $1,000-$2,000; and third or subsequent violations become a fourth-degree crime punishable by up to $10,000 in fines or 18 months in jail. Each week an employee is paid below the legal rate counts as a separate offense. The bill also allows the Labor Commissioner to impose administrative penalties up to $500 per violation after providing due process, including a 15-day hearing window. These changes directly affect employers who fail to pay proper wages or comply with record-keeping requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 519) changes how New Jersey handles funds in inactive online gaming accounts. It requires casinos to treat money left in accounts inactive for three years as "unclaimed property" under state law, instead of splitting it 50/50 between the casino and the casino control fund. Before closing such accounts, casinos must attempt to contact account holders via mail, phone, or computer. This directly affects online gamblers who do not access their accounts for three years, shifting the funds to the unclaimed property process. The change takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A 946), now law as P.L.2025, c.177, requires mental health services to be provided in the communication method preferred by each deaf or hard of hearing individual - such as sign language or oral communication - based on their assessment. It mandates that mental health professionals be fluent in that method, trained in cultural needs, and able to collaborate with interpreters. The law also requires a state resource guide listing specialized mental health services and ensures individuals can help shape their own care plans. It directly affects all deaf or hard of hearing residents seeking mental health support in New Jersey, addressing long-standing barriers in access and care quality.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey school districts receiving preschool education aid to place at least 50% of preschool students in licensed child care provider programs (like licensed daycare centers), with the remainder allowed in district-run programs or Head Start. It directly affects school districts that receive state preschool funding under the School Funding Reform Act of 2008. Districts may apply for a waiver from this requirement if sufficient licensed child care placements aren't available within their district, but must provide justification to the Department of Education. The law takes effect in the first full school year after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 901, "Max's Law") requires New Jersey public school districts to include age-appropriate instruction on the dangers of fentanyl and xylazine in health education for students in grades 6-12. Key provisions mandate teaching specific topics like abuse prevention, poisoning symptoms, emergency response, and legal protections for seeking help, using resources from federal agencies like the CDC and DEA. The bill also requires the state education department to provide resources, maintain online materials for schools and parents, and submit annual reports on the curriculum's effectiveness. The bill was withdrawn after being approved as P.L.2025, c.278.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 3802) requires New Jersey's Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) to automatically register eligible applicants for voter registration when they apply for or renew a driver's license, permit, or non-driver ID card, unless they decline. It directly affects residents applying for MVC services who meet voting eligibility requirements (e.g., age, citizenship, residency). Key provisions include: requiring MVC to provide clear notices about automatic registration and eligibility, using separate forms for ineligible applicants (who cannot register), and ensuring voter data is transmitted securely to the Secretary of State while protecting privacy for domestic violence victims. The law also mandates that address changes submitted to MVC update voter records automatically, unless declined.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits candidates from being nominated for more than one elective office in the same primary or general election in New Jersey. It directly affects candidates who might attempt to run for multiple positions, such as two different legislative seats or a state and local office simultaneously. The key mechanism requires candidates to withdraw from any nomination if they accept a nomination for another office, and amends election code to state: "No person shall be nominated as a candidate for more than one office in any primary or general election" and "No person shall be certified as a candidate for more than one office in the same election." The law aims to prevent candidates from splitting votes or confusing voters with multiple nominations during a single election cycle.

Maddy summaryThis bill raises the income eligibility limit for New Jersey's homestead property tax reimbursement program. It increases the annual income threshold from $80,000 to $160,000 for tax year 2017 (and subsequent years), allowing more seniors (65+) and disabled residents to qualify. The program reimburses eligible homeowners and renters for property tax differences between their base year and current year, based on income and residency requirements. It directly affects low-to-moderate-income residents who own or rent qualifying homes as their primary residence.

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies that first aid, ambulance, and rescue squads (as organizations, not just individuals) are protected from civil lawsuits when providing services in good faith. It specifically extends this immunity to non-volunteer squads for all services (not just advanced life support), correcting a gap in current law where such squads lacked this protection. The immunity covers acts or omissions during service provision or training but excludes motor vehicle operations. This change directly affects these emergency response organizations by reducing their legal liability risk.

Maddy summaryThis bill makes a fifth or subsequent drunk driving conviction a third-degree crime in New Jersey, punishable by up to $15,000 in fines or 5 years in prison. It requires a 10-year driver's license suspension for these offenses, increasing to 20 years if the offense occurs near schools (on school property, within 1,000 feet, or at an unmarked school crossing with juveniles present). Offenders must complete alcohol education and treatment programs or face a mandatory two-day jail term and extended license suspension. The law applies to all fifth or subsequent DUI convictions occurring after its effective date.