Maddy summaryNew Jersey Assembly Bill 4015, the "New Jersey Kids Code Act," requires major online services (like social media and games) that minors are likely to use to set default privacy settings to the highest protection level for children. It prohibits these services from showing targeted ads to minors, using manipulative design tricks to change privacy settings, collecting certain personal data without clear consent, or promoting restricted products to children. The bill also mandates annual public reports detailing how these platforms protect minors’ privacy, their data practices, safety tools for parents, and how much time children spend on their services. This law directly affects large online platforms operating in New Jersey, not small websites or services not used by minors.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill allocates approximately $77.4 million from dedicated tax revenues and Green Acres funds to the Department of Environmental Protection to support local government projects. The funding is divided between acquiring land for conservation and developing existing parks, with specific amounts designated for planning incentives, standard projects, and areas with high population density. Local municipalities and counties that meet certain population criteria are eligible to receive grants or loans to help them purchase or improve recreational spaces. Any remaining funds after the listed projects are funded may be used for additional approved initiatives with further committee approval.
Maddy summaryNew Jersey Assembly Bill A4085 prohibits businesses from using consumers' personal data to set prices for goods or services. It specifically bans pricing strategies that vary prices based on biometric data, genetic information, or protected class data (like race, gender, or disability) through methods such as personalized algorithmic pricing or surveillance pricing. The law applies to all business entities selling merchandise or services within New Jersey and imposes fines up to $10,000 for first violations and $20,000 for repeat offenses, plus potential penalties like cease-and-desist orders. Businesses may still offer standard discounts, promotions, or loyalty programs, which are explicitly exempted from the ban.
Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank to lend up to $3.85 billion to local governments and public water utilities for environmental infrastructure projects in fiscal year 2027. The legislation allows the bank to use funds from various existing trust accounts to finance the construction of facilities related to drinking water and wastewater treatment. Additionally, the bill outlines how the bank can increase its available loan amounts by including interest earned, fees, and other financial adjustments.
Maddy summaryThis bill allows doctors in New Jersey to prescribe Schedule II controlled substances, such as certain pain medications, through telemedicine and telehealth without requiring an in-person visit. It permits providers to use digital tools like video calls or asynchronous messaging to evaluate patients, provided they have already reviewed the patient's medical records and determined that remote care meets the same standard of care as an in-person appointment. The legislation also mandates that patients be informed if their provider is not a physician and must be given the option to request a consultation with a doctor, while ensuring all telehealth interactions are properly documented and referrals for in-person care are made when necessary.
Maddy summaryThis bill, titled the "John R. Lewis Voter Empowerment Act of New Jersey," is a commemorative resolution naming a state initiative after civil rights leader John Lewis. It appropriates $2.5 million but does not establish new voting procedures or protections. The bill primarily includes recognition language affirming New Jersey’s commitment to voting rights for protected classes and defines terms like "covered entity" for future reference, though no specific implementation mechanisms are detailed. As it is pending technical review and lacks concrete policy changes, it functions as a symbolic gesture rather than a substantive legislative action.
Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill temporarily increases the state child tax credit for residents with incomes up to $80,000 during the tax years 2026, 2027, and 2028. The legislation raises the credit amount by $250 for each income bracket, providing an additional $250 to families earning $30,000 or less and reducing the credit by $250 for those earning between $60,000 and $80,000. After these three years, the credit amounts will revert to their previous levels. The bill does not affect taxpayers with incomes above $80,000 or children over the age of six.
Maddy summaryThis bill allocates approximately $77.4 million from dedicated tax revenues and Green Acres funds to the Department of Environmental Protection to support local governments in New Jersey. The money will be used to provide grants or loans for acquiring and developing land for recreation and conservation purposes, as well as for certain administrative expenses. Specific funding is designated for open space acquisition and planning projects in several municipalities, including Burlington, Gloucester, Livingston, Verona, West Orange, and Kingwood. The legislation defines eligibility based on population density and utilizes existing funds made available through interest earnings, loan repayments, and project cancellations.
Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill temporarily increases the state child tax credit for residents with taxable income of $80,000 or less during the years 2026, 2027, and 2028. The legislation raises the credit amount for each child under the age of six, providing a $250 increase for families earning $30,000 or less and smaller increments for those earning up to $80,000. After these three years, the credit amounts will revert to their previous levels. The change applies to all filing statuses and allows the credit to be fully refunded if it exceeds the tax owed.
Maddy summaryThis bill permanently extends pay parity for telemedicine and telehealth services in New Jersey, requiring health insurance carriers to reimburse providers at the same rates as in-person care. It directly affects insurance companies, healthcare providers, and patients by mandating that out-of-pocket costs like deductibles and copayments for virtual visits cannot exceed those for in-person appointments. The legislation also prohibits insurers from restricting telehealth platforms, limiting service locations, or denying coverage for routine remote monitoring if the same care would be covered in person. Additionally, carriers must continue to allow patients to choose between in-person and virtual care rather than forcing telehealth as a substitute.