Asm. Jay Webber

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey public school districts with grades 9-12 to include lessons on compulsive gambling risks within their required health education curriculum. The instruction must cover gambling addiction dangers, financial risks, and probability concepts. The state education commissioner will provide sample lesson materials and develop teacher training on identifying gambling issues and treatment resources. Implementation begins the school year after the next state curriculum review, not immediately.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A 3187) increases penalties for fraudulently obtaining or withholding unemployment insurance benefits. It raises fines to 50% of the fraudulently obtained amount (minimum $250) for individuals and employers, with 10% of recovered fines going to the unemployment compensation auxiliary fund and 15% to the main unemployment fund. The bill applies to both state and federal unemployment programs, including disaster assistance and federal civilian employee benefits. Introduced to the Assembly Labor Committee in January 2026, it focuses on strengthening enforcement against fraud.

Maddy summaryThis bill would eliminate the 48-month renewal requirement for new passenger automobiles in New Jersey, making their initial registration permanent until ownership transfers. Currently, new passenger autos must undergo renewal every 48 months (with exceptions for rental vehicles), but this bill removes that obligation. It directly affects new passenger automobile owners by eliminating recurring renewal fees and administrative steps. The change applies only to new passenger vehicles, leaving registration rules for motorcycles, noncommercial trucks, and other vehicle types unchanged.

Maddy summaryThis bill bans most abortions after 20 weeks following fertilization (conception), requiring physicians to determine the unborn child's post-fertilization age before performing an abortion. It directly affects women seeking abortions after 20 weeks and physicians who perform such procedures. Key exceptions allow abortions for: (1) life-threatening medical conditions of the pregnant person; (2) rape (if reported to authorities and 48-hour counseling is obtained); or (3) incest involving minors (if reported). If an abortion occurs under an exception and the child survives, the bill requires a neonatal care specialist to be present to provide life-saving care.

Maddy summaryThis bill exempts municipal and county building expansions or reconstructions (including emergency services facilities) from New Jersey's Highlands Water Protection Act, provided they stay within 125% of the existing building footprint. Specifically, it allows rebuilding without complying with the Act's regulations if the project doesn't increase paved or hard surfaces by more than a quarter-acre. The exemption applies only to reconstruction of lawfully existing structures, not new construction, and excludes agricultural buildings converted to non-agricultural use. This change directly affects local governments and emergency service providers seeking to modify existing facilities in the Highlands Region.

Maddy summaryBill A 3154 prohibits terminal leave compensation for local government employees in counties, municipalities, fire districts, and similar entities (excluding school districts) who have adopted New Jersey’s Title 11A civil service rules. It bans using accumulated administrative leave, vacation, sick leave, or longevity benefits for full pay during the terminal leave period before retirement. The bill also requires medical verification for employees using six or more consecutive sick days within 12 months of retirement eligibility, with improper use leading to deduction from retirement benefits. Employers may mandate physician examinations to verify medical necessity for sick leave claims.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey state employers and contracted service providers to verify applicants' history of child abuse or sexual misconduct for positions involving regular contact with children under 18. Applicants must disclose past investigations, disciplinary actions, or license suspensions related to such misconduct and provide employer contact details for verification. Employers must contact previous employers (within the last 20 years) to confirm this information through written, phone, or electronic means. False disclosures may result in employment denial, termination, or a $500 civil penalty.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 3176) requires rail passenger services in New Jersey to provide customers with a clear proof of payment at the time of purchase. The proof must state the specific rail lines and the exact duration the ticket is valid, eliminating the need for additional validation (like stamping at platforms). It directly affects rail passengers who currently risk fines for not validating tickets purchased from vending machines. The key change prevents enforcement officers from requiring further action beyond presenting the ticket, as the validity period is clearly marked upfront. This addresses a current issue where passengers are fined for not using validation machines they may not be aware of.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates an affirmative defense for individuals who commit crimes while being victims of human trafficking. It allows defendants to avoid prosecution for any offense (under New Jersey's criminal code) if they were victims of trafficking at the time and the crime was a direct result of that trafficking. The defense applies even if the trafficking case against them didn't lead to a conviction. It also requires courts to order restitution payments to trafficking victims, with funds directed to a dedicated survivor assistance fund. The bill is currently pending in the Assembly Aging and Human Services Committee.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a rebuttable presumption requiring courts to detain individuals charged with motor vehicle theft (N.J.S.2C:20-2) before trial, unless the defendant proves they pose no flight risk or danger to the community. It directly affects defendants charged with stealing cars in New Jersey, shifting the burden to them to challenge the presumption of detention. Key mechanisms include: prosecutors automatically triggering the presumption for motor vehicle theft charges, a court hearing where defendants must rebut the presumption, and expedited appeals for detention orders. The bill does not address sentencing but focuses solely on pretrial detention requirements for this specific offense. (Note: This is a proposed bill introduced January 2026; it has not yet been enacted.)