Asm. Garnet Hall

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey public school districts serving grades 9-12 to include instruction on the risks of compulsive gambling within their Comprehensive Health and Physical Education curriculum. The instruction must cover gambling addiction dangers, financial risks of gambling, and probability concepts. The state education commissioner must provide schools with sample lesson materials and develop mandatory teacher training on identifying gambling issues and treatment resources. Implementation is delayed until the school year following the next state curriculum review, not immediately. The bill directly affects all high school students and school districts in New Jersey.

Maddy summaryThis bill revises New Jersey's renewable energy portfolio standards, requiring electric power suppliers and basic generation service providers to gradually increase their use of renewable energy. Starting in 2020, they must provide 21% of electricity from Class I renewable sources (solar, wind, geothermal), increasing to 35% by 2025, 50% by 2030, and 100% by 2045. The bill also specifies that beginning in 2030, at least 50% of the renewable energy certificates (RECs) used to meet these requirements must represent energy generated within New Jersey. Providers can meet these targets by purchasing and retiring RECs from eligible renewable sources.

Maddy summaryAR 86 is a symbolic Assembly Resolution expressing New Jersey's support for Israel following Hamas' October 7, 2023 attacks. It condemns Hamas for launching a "massive, unprovoked war" involving rocket attacks, killings, abductions, and violence against civilians (citing 1,400 Israeli deaths and 30 American citizens among the casualties). The resolution formally supports Israel "as it defends itself" and directs copies to Israel's Prime Minister, U.S. ambassadors to Israel and the U.S., and New Jersey's members of Congress. As a non-binding resolution, it does not enact new laws but publicly affirms New Jersey's stance on the conflict.

Maddy summaryBill A2738 requires New Jersey to distribute remaining federal COVID-19 relief grants to local governments based *solely* on population size, without minimum population thresholds. It applies to all pending federal funds not yet dispersed, committed, or incurred as of the bill’s effective date. The bill mandates the Department of Treasury to create new application regulations (based on "need") and post them online before implementation. This would replace current distribution methods, ensuring every municipality receives funds proportional to its population. The law expires once all eligible grants are disbursed.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey residents with specific diagnosed special needs to voluntarily add a notation to their driver's license or state ID card. It covers individuals diagnosed with autism, severe anxiety, communication disabilities, PTSD, or Tourette syndrome by a licensed healthcare provider. The notation, displayed as a specific restriction code, is intended to help law enforcement and emergency responders communicate effectively and provide appropriate assistance during interactions. Cardholders can add or remove this notation at any time without penalty.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires continuing care retirement communities in New Jersey to include a provision in their agreements stating that refundable entrance fees must be fully refunded to residents within one year of them vacating the facility. Currently, refunds are paid based on the order of unit vacancies and available funds, which can result in significant delays for residents. The bill ensures that residents will receive their refund within a clear timeframe, regardless of whether the unit has been resold or what sequential refund number the unit has been assigned. This change directly affects residents who paid refundable entrance fees and the retirement communities that manage these agreements, amending existing laws to establish this one-year refund deadline.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A890) prohibits medical creditors from reporting unpaid medical debt to credit reporting agencies. It directly affects patients who owe money for health care services, preventing their medical debts from negatively impacting their credit scores. The law defines "medical creditors" as health care providers (like doctors or hospitals) or entities that purchase medical debt, and bans them from reporting any portion of such debt to credit bureaus. The provision takes effect 30 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Cell (NJCCIC) to conduct a 12-month study of cybersecurity infrastructure across public entities (state/local governments) and private businesses operating in New Jersey. During the study, these entities must report cybersecurity incidents and investigations to the NJCCIC for 12 months. After the study, the NJCCIC must develop mandatory cybersecurity guidelines for all covered entities, which must be implemented within one year. Failure to implement the guidelines may result in civil penalties set by the Department of Homeland Security and Preparedness.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all polling places in New Jersey to provide free onsite parking on election day. It amends existing law (R.S. 19:8-2), which already mandates polling places be accessible (in compliance with the ADA) and preferably located in schools or public buildings. The new provision specifically ensures voters do not face parking fees when accessing polling locations, applying to all county board-selected sites including public and private buildings. This change directly affects county election boards during polling place selection and building owners designated as polling sites.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates Ultimate (Ultimate Frisbee) as New Jersey's official state sport. It recognizes the sport's historical origins in New Jersey, including the 1967 introduction at Columbia High School in Maplewood and the 1970 first interscholastic game between New Jersey high schools. The designation is symbolic, with no new regulations or funding, and highlights New Jersey's role in developing Ultimate's foundational rules and early competitions. It directly affects New Jersey residents by formally acknowledging the state's historical connection to the sport.