Asm. Rosy Bagolie

Maddy summaryThis bill, the "Social Networking Safety Act," prohibits transmitting sexually offensive communications (like explicit sexual requests or obscene content) to New Jersey residents under 13 or under 16 who are at least four years younger than the sender. It also bans abusive communications (threatening, intimidating, or harassing messages) to anyone under 18 in New Jersey. Social media platforms operating in New Jersey must quickly suspend users who violate these rules upon receiving credible reports, or face civil liability. Senders face $1,000 penalties per violation for operators and up to $5,000 or actual damages (including emotional trauma or counseling costs) for victims. Platforms with effective reporting systems (including blocking features) are protected from liability, while those without must clearly warn users they lack such protections.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a new rule of evidence that would allow statements reporting sexual assault or employment discrimination to be admitted as evidence, even though they would normally be considered hearsay. The statement must have been made spontaneously within a reasonable time after the incident to someone the victim would typically turn to for support. This evidence would be admissible to assess the complainant's credibility, counter the idea that delay means the report was fabricated, and help explain the investigative process. It would apply to both criminal and civil cases involving these allegations.

Maddy summaryThis bill temporarily eliminates the requirement for public school employees in New Jersey school districts, charter schools, and renaissance school projects to reside in the state for a three-year period. During this time, newly hired employees do not need to live in New Jersey, and those who maintain or establish a residence outside the state during the period will not be required to relocate after the three years end, regardless of future residence changes or employment breaks. The Department of Education must submit a report to the governor and legislature 90 days after the three-year period, evaluating the policy's effectiveness, unintended consequences, and potential legislative recommendations.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A1259) increases pensions for New Jersey police and fire department members who suffer accidental disability or death caused by weapons. It raises the accidental disability pension from 66% to 100% of final compensation for those injured by weapons (with a transition to 80% after mandatory retirement age). For deaths caused by weapons, it increases the death benefit for surviving spouses or children from 70% to 75% of final compensation. The final compensation amount used for these calculations will continue to increase until the member would have turned 65, using the same percentage increases as active members' compensation. The bill applies to injuries or deaths occurring on or after its effective date.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases penalties for motor vehicle theft and related crimes for both adults and juveniles. For adults convicted of motor vehicle theft, it mandates a minimum 180-day prison sentence for a first offense (no parole) and one year for subsequent offenses. Juveniles face 30 days in custody for a first offense, 60 days plus a nonresidential program for a second offense, and six months plus such a program for third or subsequent offenses. The bill also imposes stricter penalties on adults who use minors to commit these crimes, requiring 6-12 months for a first offense and 5+ years for repeat offenses.

Maddy summaryThis bill reinstates automatic annual cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) for retirement benefits under the Pension Adjustment Act (P.L.1958, c.143) for members of New Jersey's State-administered retirement systems. It directly affects retirees and beneficiaries of the Teachers' Pension and Annuity Fund, Judicial Retirement System, Public Employees' Retirement System, Police and Firemen's Retirement System, and State Police Retirement System. The bill reverses a 2011 provision that had eliminated these automatic annual adjustments, ensuring benefits will adjust each year to help maintain purchasing power against inflation. By reinstating COLAs, the bill prevents gradual erosion of retirement benefits' value over time. This change provides concrete financial protection for retirees as the cost of living increases.

Maddy summaryThis bill eliminates an exception in New Jersey's Smoke-Free Air Act that previously allowed smoking in casinos and simulcasting facilities. It would require these venues to become smoke-free, meaning no smoking would be permitted inside for employees, patrons, or visitors. The change directly affects casino operators, staff, and customers at all New Jersey casinos and simulcasting facilities (such as those with slot machines, table games, or dedicated seating for betting). This policy shift extends the existing indoor smoking ban to these locations, removing a long-standing exemption.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill authorizes pharmacists to dispense HIV preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) without individual prescriptions under specific conditions. Pharmacists must verify patients are HIV-negative through recent testing, provide counseling, complete required training, and document services before dispensing. Health insurance plans must cover these medications without prior authorization or step therapy requirements. Patients can receive up to a 60-day supply of PrEP without a prescription within any two-year period before needing a prescription for continued use. Pharmacists must also notify patients' primary care providers about the dispensing, unless the patient declines.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's A925 would allow voters to register and vote on election day at polling places or during early voting by completing an affirmation statement and providing identification. Currently, voters must register at least 21 days before an election, but this bill would enable those who missed the deadline to register and cast a provisional ballot. Voters registering on election day would have 48 hours after the election to verify their identity through the Motor Vehicle Commission database or by providing acceptable identification, ensuring their ballot is counted if valid. This change would directly affect voters who meet eligibility requirements but missed the standard registration deadline.

Maddy summaryThis bill provides a New Jersey gross income tax deduction for capital gains realized when landowners sell certain real property interests to qualified conservation organizations for preservation purposes. The deduction applies to both full market value sales and "bargain sales" (where the sale price is below market value, with the difference treated as a charitable donation). The deduction amount equals the capital gain as determined under federal tax rules, covering transactions with groups participating in programs like Green Acres, Blue Acres, and farmland preservation. This policy aims to encourage land conservation by reducing tax liability on such sales, directly benefiting landowners who sell property for environmental preservation.