Asm. Garnet Hall

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Division of Child Protection and Permanency (DCPP) to consult with the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) when a court finds an individual with a developmental disability abused or neglected a child. It mandates DCPP to work with DDD to create a tailored services plan for that individual, considering their specific disability. The key mechanism ensures therapeutic services (like counseling or support programs) are designed around the person's disability needs, rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach. This directly affects individuals with developmental disabilities who are found to have abused or neglected a child and are eligible for DDD services.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends the special appraisal process for land acquisitions under New Jersey's Green Acres and farmland preservation programs from June 30, 2024 to June 30, 2029 for lands in the Highlands Region. It allocates $7.5 million annually from constitutionally dedicated Corporation Business Tax (CBT) revenue to the Highlands Water Protection and Planning Council for land preservation in the Highlands Region. The funds will support two specific programs: the Highlands Open Space Partnership Funding program to acquire land for recreation and conservation, and the Highlands Development Credit Purchase Program to protect land with ecological or agricultural significance. The bill also requires distribution of State aid to municipalities within the Highlands Region that host watershed lands.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Secretary of State to mail a standardized "State Voters' Guide" to every registered voter's home at least 45 days before statewide elections. The guide must include election information, candidate statements (with word limits), explanations of public questions, and voter rights details, while ensuring clarity on ballot measures. County clerks may also create and distribute local voter guides for county-level elections, following the same format. The bill mandates electronic access to these guides online and requires special mailing to military or overseas voters who request them. It also prohibits misleading campaign materials that mimic official guides, imposing penalties for violations.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's A4754 prohibits businesses from selling, manufacturing, distributing, or offering for sale personal flotation devices (PFDs) like lifejackets, water wings, or puddle jumpers that are not approved by the U.S. Coast Guard. The bill directly affects retailers and manufacturers operating in New Jersey, specifically targeting PFDs designed for children under 12 years old. Violators face escalating civil penalties: $100 for a first offense, $250 for a second, and $500 for third or subsequent offenses, enforced by the Division of Consumer Affairs. The law aims to ensure consumers can purchase Coast Guard-approved PFDs, reducing risks associated with unapproved devices that may deflate or slip off, as highlighted by drowning statistics.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires inflatable ride manufacturers to provide detailed operation manuals and include ground anchors with each ride. Every inflatable ride must display a data plate listing the manufacturer, date, serial number, rider capacity, and inflation specifications. Operators must inspect anchors and tie-downs before use, evacuate riders during hazardous weather (like thunderstorms or high winds), and re-inspect the ride after weather events. These requirements codify existing safety rules under New Jersey's Carnival-Amusement Rides Safety Act to ensure consistent enforcement by the Department of Community Affairs.

Maddy summaryThis bill prevents telecommunications, utility, and cable companies from charging customers' credit cards or bank accounts before the standard billing due date for service, unless the customer has given written consent. It specifically applies to automatic billing for services like phone, electricity, gas, and cable. Companies may still charge early if a customer requests it by phone or through a method approved by the Board of Public Utilities. The Board of Public Utilities will enforce this rule to ensure companies comply with the new billing requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to conduct a statewide assessment of packaging recycling, composting, and reuse systems by hiring a consultant and establishing a temporary advisory council. It appropriates $500,000 to fund the assessment, which must examine current recycling rates, infrastructure needs, environmental justice considerations, and strategies to achieve optimal recycling rates by 2035 for materials like paper, plastic, glass, and metal. The DEP will select a consultant by January 2026, with the consultant submitting a draft assessment to the advisory council by December 2026. The advisory council, representing diverse stakeholders including haulers, local governments, and environmental organizations, will provide input before the final assessment is submitted to the Governor and Legislature by May 2027. The final report will include recommendations for improving New Jersey's packaging recycling system.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A5197) raises the minimum age for purchasing lottery tickets and wagering on horse racing from 18 to 21 years old in New Jersey. It affects individuals under 21 who currently participate in these activities, requiring them to wait until they turn 21 to engage in these forms of gambling. Existing accounts for horse racing wagering held by people under 21 will be frozen, and account holders will receive full refunds of all monies in their accounts within 30 days of the bill's effective date. The bill aligns New Jersey's gambling age requirements for lottery and horse racing with other forms of gambling like casino games and sports wagering, which already require participants to be 21 or older.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection to prioritize projects that include or allow for flood mitigation when funding land acquisition for recreation and conservation (known as "Blue Acres" projects) and certain environmental infrastructure projects. It mandates that these projects receive additional priority points in the ranking system used to determine which projects get funded through the Green Acres Program and environmental infrastructure programs. The change affects local governments, nonprofit organizations, and others applying for DEP funding for projects that protect against flooding while serving recreation, conservation, or infrastructure needs. The bill implements this by amending existing laws to require the DEP to factor flood mitigation into its evaluation criteria for funding applications.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes funding to protect the safety of cooperating witnesses - individuals who testify for the government to help prosecute crimes, including confidential informants. It expands New Jersey's Crime Victim's Bill of Rights to guarantee these witnesses assistance with psychological and practical challenges of testifying, protective measures before, during, and after trials, and court procedures ensuring their safety. The bill amends existing laws to allow the Victims of Crime Compensation Office to cover relocation and safety expenses, and authorizes the Victim and Witness Advocacy Fund to provide grants to organizations offering services like emergency shelter, medical advocacy, and safety planning for these witnesses and their families. These changes directly affect witnesses who cooperate with law enforcement in criminal cases, ensuring they receive concrete support and protection while navigating the justice system.