Asm. Rosy Bagolie

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a permanent New Jersey-India Commission to strengthen economic, cultural, and educational ties between New Jersey and India. It continues a commission initially created by Governor Murphy's 2024 executive order, requiring the Governor to appoint 35-45 members (including recommendations from legislative leaders for eight seats) to promote trade, investment, and cultural exchanges. The commission must submit biennial reports to the Governor and Legislature detailing its activities and recommendations. The commission directly affects New Jersey's 400,000+ Indian-American community and businesses seeking to expand partnerships with India, aiming to support job growth and economic development.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A1627) requires colleges and universities to create written policies governing camping on campus grounds and facilities. It mandates that any individual or group seeking to camp must first get approval from the institution, defining "camping" broadly to include tents, overnight sleeping bags, makeshift shelters, and vehicles like RVs or campers. The policy must be adopted by each institution's governing board, and the law takes effect immediately upon passage. The bill directly affects campus users and institutions, setting a clear approval process for overnight stays using camping equipment.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 1057) amends how traffic fine revenue is allocated in New Jersey, not the title suggests. It adds $1 to each traffic fine to fund existing programs like the Body Armor Replacement Fund, Spinal Cord Research Fund, and Autism Medical Research Fund, and adds $3 to fines for the Forensic DNA Laboratory Fund. The bill does not create new cancer or cardiovascular screenings for law enforcement officers or appropriate $20 million for such screenings, as implied in the title. Instead, it redirects existing fine revenue to existing state funds through revised allocation provisions. The bill is currently pending before the Assembly Public Safety Committee.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires sports betting operators in New Jersey to include a specific risk warning in all advertisements and digital platforms. The warning must state: "Gambling is risky and can become addictive, resulting in catastrophic life consequences. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800 GAMBLER." It applies to all print, billboard, online, broadcast ads, and when users open sports betting websites or mobile apps. The requirement directly affects licensed sports wagering businesses operating in New Jersey. This amends existing law by expanding the mandated warning language beyond the current "1-800 GAMBLER" hotline notice.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's A 1965 prohibits insurers (including auto, home, and health insurance companies) and state health benefit programs (State Health Benefits Program and School Employees’ Health Benefits Program) from charging policyholders a fee for receiving paper bills or notices. The law requires insurers to provide physical mailings at no extra cost, while still allowing them to offer discounts for digital billing options. It applies to all standard insurance policies and state health plans, with penalties of up to $1,000 per violation for insurers that violate this rule. The bill aims to eliminate hidden costs for consumers choosing paper communications.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 1312) requires New Jersey paid and part-paid fire departments to create and annually update a written policy addressing job-related needs of pregnant firefighters within 180 days of the bill's effective date. The policy must cover disclosure of pregnancy, medical certifications for duty limitations, availability of light-duty assignments, information on unsafe tasks, pregnancy leave use, and continued benefits. Departments must follow standards from the National Fire Protection Association or similar professional organizations when developing the policy. The bill was withdrawn on January 13, 2026, as it was superseded by another enacted bill (P.L.2025, c.192) that already addressed these requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates September 14 each year as "Latino Business Day" in New Jersey to highlight the economic contributions of Latino-owned businesses. It requests the Governor issue an annual proclamation encouraging public officials and citizens to observe the day through activities that recognize these businesses' impact. The resolution emphasizes that Latino-owned businesses contribute significantly to job creation and economic growth in the state, noting their rapid expansion compared to other business sectors. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not create new laws or funding but aims to raise public awareness of this economic segment.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows high school students in grades 10-12 who participate in school sports to substitute study hall for physical education during their sport's athletic season, provided they meet specific academic criteria. Eligible students must either be enrolled in advanced courses (like AP or dual enrollment) or need academic support due to low performance, as determined by the school. The substitution requires written approval from parents, coach certification of sport participation, and counselor approval confirming eligibility. Students retain full physical education graduation credit for their athletic participation, but the change only applies during the sport's season and does not affect PE requirements for non-athletes or younger grades.

Maddy summaryThis bill codifies the U.S. Supreme Court's 1964 standard from *New York Times Co. v. Sullivan* for defamation lawsuits brought by public officials. It requires public officials to prove a statement was both false and made with "actual malice" (knowing it was false or showing reckless disregard for truth) to win a lawsuit. Truthful statements automatically block any lawsuit. This applies specifically to statements about a public official's official duties, affecting elected and appointed government workers like mayors, council members, and agency heads.

Maddy summaryThis proposed New Jersey bill (A 3379) increases penalties for illegal street racing on public highways. For a first offense, fines rise to $100-$200 (up from $25-$100); for a second offense, fines increase to $200-$300 (up from $100-$200). For a third or subsequent offense, the bill requires impounding the vehicle for at least 96 hours, with owners reclaiming it by providing proof of registration/insurance and paying towing/storage fees. If unclaimed within 30 days, the vehicle may be sold at auction, with excess proceeds returned to the owner or managed under unclaimed property law. The bill is currently pending before the Assembly Public Safety Committee.