Asm. Chris Barranco

Maddy summaryThis bill requires websites and online platforms to verify the age of users attempting to access content containing a "substantial portion" of material harmful to minors (defined as content with over one-third harmful material, such as explicit sexual content or lacking artistic value for minors). It applies to entities like social media platforms and websites, prohibiting minors under 18 from accessing such content unless the platform verifies their age and confirms the content is suitable for them. Platforms must use reasonable age verification methods (e.g., digital ID checks) and follow division-established standards for content suitability. The bill is pending before the New Jersey Assembly Science, Innovation and Technology Committee after being introduced on April 4, 2024.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends the process for calculating gas tax rates through Fiscal Year 2032 and imposes an additional $300 annual registration fee for passenger electric vehicles and $450 for commercial electric vehicles in New Jersey. It repeals the sales tax exemption for electric vehicles, dedicating the resulting revenue (up to $100 million annually) to transportation projects. The bill appropriates $2.5 billion total, including $1 billion for New Jersey Transit Corporation capital projects and operating expenses, and $1.5 billion from the Debt Defeasance and Prevention Fund to the Transportation Trust Fund. These funds are intended to support transportation infrastructure projects through 2032, with specific restrictions on how the money can be used.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires municipalities to provide preliminary approval before the state can license cooperative sober living residences (CSLRs), which are homes specifically for people recovering from substance addiction. Applicants must obtain a written certificate from local officials confirming the residence meets all existing zoning and land use regulations before submitting a state license application. The Department of Community Affairs cannot issue a license without this municipal approval, adding a local review step to the licensing process. This directly affects CSLR operators seeking state licensure, municipal officials responsible for issuing approvals, and the state agency managing the licensing. The bill does not change the definition or operation of CSLRs, only the pre-licensing approval process.

Maddy summaryThe Human Trafficking and Child Exploitation Prevention Act requires manufacturers and sellers of Internet-connected devices (like smartphones and tablets) sold in New Jersey to include a digital blocking feature that prevents access to obscene material, child exploitation content, and websites involved in human trafficking or prostitution. Companies must ensure the blocking works properly, provide a reporting system for users to flag unblocked obscene content or wrongly blocked material, and actively block child pornography and revenge pornography. Users aged 18+ can disable the blocking by paying a one-time $20 fee, and companies may pay a $20 opt-out fee per device; collected funds support the state’s Commission on Human Trafficking. Violations can result in fines up to $20,000 for repeat offenses, with lawsuits allowed for unreported unblocked content.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes how municipalities calculate impervious surfaces (like paved areas) for public parks within New Jersey's Highlands preservation area. Currently, parks must keep impervious surfaces under 3% of each individual park's area. The bill allows municipalities to combine all their municipal parks into one "lot" for this calculation, meaning the total impervious surface across all parks must stay under 3% of the combined park area. This adjustment makes it easier for towns to develop or maintain multiple parks without violating the 3% limit on each separate park. The change specifically excludes open waters and solar panels from the impervious surface calculation.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows public school districts and nonpublic schools (like private or religious schools) within those districts to use existing "security categorical aid" funds to hire school security personnel. Currently, these funds were intended for security services, but the bill explicitly clarifies that hiring security staff is an acceptable use. It amends two existing laws - the "Secure Schools for All Children Act" and the "School Funding Reform Act of 2008" - to specify that security personnel hiring is permitted under the funding rules. The change takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis Assembly Resolution (AR 77) is a symbolic statement of support for Ukraine and its citizens amid Russia's ongoing conflict. It condemns Russia's 2014 annexation of Crimea, 2022 invasion, and violations of international law, while expressing solidarity with Ukraine's sovereignty and democratic aspirations. The resolution requires sending copies to Ukraine's U.S. and U.N. ambassadors but does not create new laws or affect any specific group. It is a non-binding declaration reflecting New Jersey's position, not a policy change.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the "Innovation Partnership" to support emerging technology businesses across New Jersey through regional focus areas (northern: financial technology/cybersecurity, central: healthcare/life sciences, southern: agriculture/aviation, shore: renewable energy/autonomous vehicles). It creates an Innovation Fund to provide grants to certified nonprofit organizations, requiring private sector matching of funds for each grant. The program prioritizes nonprofit partners with diverse leadership and locations in designated municipalities, while specifically targeting support for minority and women's emerging technology businesses. Partners must report annually on their activities to the New Jersey Commission on Science, Innovation and Technology.

Maddy summaryBill A288 establishes an independent State Office of the Consumer within New Jersey's Legislative Branch. The office, led by a director appointed by legislative leaders (Senate President, Assembly Speaker, and minority leaders), will randomly assess phone responsiveness and accessibility of local governments, school districts, state offices, and regulated health insurance companies. It will also evaluate website user-friendliness for these entities and submit monthly reports to the Governor and Legislature detailing findings. The director serves a six-year term and must have relevant consumer advocacy experience.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates car wash businesses as essential during state or public health emergencies, allowing them to remain open if the Governor orders non-essential businesses to shut down. It does not force car washes to operate - owners may still choose to close - but requires them to follow all emergency safety standards, including providing protective equipment for employees. The law applies specifically to New Jersey businesses and takes effect immediately upon enactment.