Asm. Shanique Speight

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's A3540 establishes criminal penalties for creating or sharing deceptive audio or visual media (commonly called "deepfakes") that falsely depict someone doing something they didn't actually do. It makes it a crime to produce such media for unlawful purposes (like harassment, theft, or privacy violations) or to share it without clearly labeling it as fake. Individuals harmed by these deepfakes can sue for $1,000 per violation plus damages, attorney fees, and other remedies. The law exempts news media from penalties unless they knowingly share unmarked fake content created in violation of the bill.

Maddy summaryAJR 217 is a commemorative resolution designating April 9 of each year as "Paul Robeson Day" in New Jersey. It honors Paul Robeson, a Rutgers University scholar, athlete, actor, singer, and civil rights activist born in Princeton, NJ, who broke racial barriers in the 1920s-1930s and advocated for global justice. The resolution requests the Governor issue an annual proclamation encouraging public observance of the day through activities and programs. As a procedural resolution, it does not create new laws or affect specific groups but formally commemorates Robeson's legacy.

Maddy summaryAJR 181 designates May 15 of each year as "Tuberous Sclerosis Complex Awareness Day" in New Jersey. The resolution requests the Governor issue an annual proclamation encouraging public observance to increase awareness of this rare genetic condition. It does not create new laws, funding, or programs - it solely recognizes an existing global awareness date. The resolution aims to highlight Tuberous Sclerosis Complex, which affects organ systems (including brain, heart, and kidneys), causes seizures and developmental delays in many cases, and impacts approximately 50,000 people in the U.S.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's State Agriculture Development Committee to create housing standards for resident farm employees on commercial farms. It defines a "resident farm employee" as someone working full-time on agricultural production (excluding equine staff), and mandates that housing built under these standards must comply with state construction codes. Such housing would be protected under the "Right to Farm" law, preventing municipalities from denying permits or blocking it via local zoning rules. The bill directly affects commercial farms employing full-time agricultural workers who live on-site.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the New Jersey-Haiti Commission within the Department of State to strengthen economic and cultural ties between New Jersey and Haiti. The 13-member commission (including the Secretary of State as chair and 12 appointed public members) will study historical connections, analyze data on New Jersey's Haitian-American community (which has the 4th largest Haitian population in the U.S.), and identify economic collaboration opportunities like trade and cultural exchanges. The commission must hold quarterly public hearings, conduct research, and submit annual reports with recommendations to the Governor and Legislature within one year of its first meeting. It directly affects New Jersey's Haitian-American residents and the state's relationship with Haiti by focusing on concrete policy recommendations for economic development and partnership.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires licensed public adjusters in New Jersey to include specific details in written contracts with property owners. Contracts must clearly state the adjuster's license number, describe services and fees, and include a notice of the owner's right to cancel within three business days. It also mandates that contracts specify how compensation is calculated (e.g., avoiding terms that prevent owners from pursuing claims if insurers pay in installments). The bill updates existing law by removing the requirement for escrow accounts to be interest-bearing, while keeping the core consumer protection rules for public adjuster contracts.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A1992) would amend New Jersey's jury duty law to explicitly exempt nursing mothers from service. Specifically, it adds a new category allowing mothers of children under one year old who are nursing or expressing milk to claim an exemption without needing to prove broader hardship. Currently, such mothers might rely on general "care of a dependent" exemptions, but this bill clarifies and streamlines the process. The exemption applies during the first year of a child's life and aligns with state health initiatives supporting breastfeeding.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a process for designating a nonprofit Public Health Institute in New Jersey to collaborate with the state's Department of Health. The Institute will coordinate public health efforts across government agencies, community organizations, and private sector partners to improve health outcomes, address racial disparities, and strengthen responses to public health emergencies. The Commissioner of Health must select an entity meeting specific criteria (such as being a New Jersey-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit with public health expertise) and require it to submit operational plans, report data, and align with state health priorities. The bill also creates a dedicated Public Health Institute Fund within the Department of Health to support the Institute's establishment and activities.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A567) requires courts to order counseling for children who have witnessed or been exposed to domestic violence in households where abuse has occurred. It establishes a legal presumption that custody of minor children should be awarded to the non-abusive parent when a final restraining order is issued in domestic violence cases. The bill also permits courts to order the abusive parent to pay for the child's counseling and requires them to provide proof of payment to the court. Additionally, it mandates that courts consider the child's exposure to domestic violence when making custody decisions, prioritizing the child's safety and well-being.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A4944) requires New Jersey’s Department of Human Services (DHS) to launch a public awareness campaign about doula and midwife services. It directs DHS to educate women and birthing persons - especially those enrolled in NJ FamilyCare - on the benefits of these services, including improved maternal and infant health outcomes, culturally competent care, and coverage for prenatal, birthing, and postpartum support. The campaign will use print and digital media, and DHS must post clear information and an annual updated directory of approved doula and midwife providers on its website. The bill specifically aims to increase access to these services by clarifying NJ FamilyCare coverage details.