Asm. Alixon Collazos-Gill

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's "Packaging and Paper Product Stewardship Act" (A-3744) requires producers of packaging and paper products sold in the state to manage the end-of-life disposal of these items through mandatory stewardship plans. It directly affects manufacturers and sellers of packaging (like food containers, bags, and beverage containers) and paper products (excluding books and non-recyclable items), shifting responsibility for waste management from taxpayers to producers. Key mechanisms include creating "environmentally sound" recycling, composting, or reuse systems via producer groups (PROs) or individual plans, setting annual recycling rate targets, and prioritizing waste management in "overburdened communities." The bill defines specific terms like composting (excluding wastewater treatment) and recycling to ensure waste is handled safely and effectively, without relying on incineration or landfill disposal.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires construction permit applicants in New Jersey to disclose the anticipated funding sources and amounts for their projects. It applies to most construction projects but excludes single-family homes, routine renovations or repairs of dwelling units, and small-scale alterations (like individual units in buildings with fewer than three units). Applicants must provide this funding information when applying for a permit, and before receiving a certificate of occupancy, they must certify the accuracy of that information or submit updated details. The Commissioner of Community Affairs will develop specific rules within 180 days to implement these requirements.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A 2220) requires health care providers and insurance carriers to obtain a patient's explicit written consent before sharing their medical records related to reproductive health care services - such as pregnancy, contraception, or abortion care - unless specific exceptions apply. The law directly affects patients receiving these services, ensuring they control how their sensitive health information is used or shared. Key exceptions include medical emergencies, legal requirements (like court orders), sharing with a patient's own health care team, or disclosures to authorities investigating abuse. The bill prohibits selling, marketing, or using such records for non-treatment purposes without consent, while preserving existing federal privacy protections under HIPAA. Violations could result in $1,000 penalties per incident.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits retailers from selling flavored cigarettes (including menthol, which was previously exempt), non-premium cigars, and oral nicotine pouches with non-tobacco flavors. It applies directly to stores, vending machines, and employees selling these products, with penalties including $250 for a first violation, $500 for a second, and $1,000 for third or subsequent violations. Retailers may also face license suspension or revocation after repeated offenses, as determined by local municipalities. The law expands an existing 2008 ban to cover these additional products and shifts enforcement focus to retailers rather than individual consumers.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A1397) requires New Jersey's Department of Treasury to update the state's Disparity Study every five years, starting January 1, 2029. The study examines how well small, minority, women, and service-disabled veteran-owned businesses are participating in state government contracts. The updates must track changes in these businesses' availability and use in state procurement. The requirement applies directly to the state's procurement system and the businesses seeking state contracts. The bill builds on the 2024 Disparity Study, mandating regular reviews to inform policy.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits prosecutors from offering negotiated plea agreements that reduce prison time or fines for burglary convictions when a firearm was involved. It directly affects defendants charged with burglary who used a firearm during the crime, requiring them to face the full second-degree penalty rather than a reduced sentence through plea bargaining. The law amends New Jersey's burglary statute to specify that such plea agreements are ineligible if the defendant was "armed with or displays what appears to be explosives or a deadly weapon" during the offense. The bill defines "firearm" broadly to include handguns, rifles, shotguns, and certain air guns, but does not change the underlying burglary charges or penalties.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A 3743) requires all newly installed electric vehicle (EV) charging stations to be accessible to drivers with disabilities, directly affecting charging station operators and the Department of Transportation (DOT). It mandates specific physical features like 11-foot-wide vehicle charging spaces with 5-foot access aisles, ADA-compliant routes, and accessible communication features (including payment systems and charger controls). The law requires new stations to meet these standards within 18 months of enactment, while allowing flexibility for existing stations to comply where feasible. The bill ensures EV charging infrastructure accommodates people using wheelchairs, canes, scooters, or walkers, aligning with federal ADA and ABA accessibility standards.

Maddy summaryThis bill would create a statewide registry for individuals convicted of animal cruelty offenses in New Jersey, requiring them to register with the Attorney General. It directly affects anyone convicted of animal cruelty under defined state laws (including acts covered by statutes like R.S. 4:22-17 to 4:22-24) or comparable offenses elsewhere. Key provisions include mandatory registration details (like address and contact information), public online access to the registry, and a prohibition on offenders purchasing, adopting, or breeding animals. The bill emphasizes this registry is for public safety - helping residents protect themselves, families, and animals - rather than as additional punishment. The legislation is pending before the Assembly Judiciary Committee after introduction on January 13, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey Assembly Resolution (AR 109) commemorates the first anniversary of the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack on Israel. It formally mourns the 1,200 Israeli civilians killed and 3,400 wounded during the attack, condemns all terrorism, and calls for the release of all hostages held by Hamas - including American citizens like Edan Alexander of Tenafly, NJ. The resolution expresses solidarity with both Israelis and Palestinians affected by the conflict and directs copies to Israel's U.S. ambassador, the U.S. ambassador to Israel, and New Jersey's congressional delegation. As a commemorative resolution, it does not create new laws or policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a one-year pilot program in New Jersey public schools (grades 6-12) to assess whether lockable cell phone pouches improve student academic performance and mental health. Participating school districts must apply with details about school enrollment, implementation plans, and emergency notification methods. The state will select six districts (two per region, balancing urban/suburban/rural areas) and provide $500,000 in funding for program guidance and training. After the pilot, the education commissioner must submit a report evaluating outcomes and recommending future use of the pouches.