Asm. Shanique Speight

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey state correctional facilities to allow inmates with disabilities to use service animals (trained to perform tasks) or companion animals (pets for emotional support) under a new program. Inmates must apply through the Department of Corrections, with requests for new animals evaluated within 30 days for feasibility and need. The program mandates vaccination documentation for animals and requires the Department of Corrections, with input from the Department of Human Services, to establish rules for animal care, safety, hours of use, and logistical procedures. The bill appropriates state funds to cover implementation costs.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Commissioner of Education to create a free emergency notification system for schools. The system must allow students, staff, parents, and guardians to register mobile devices (like phones or tablets) to receive immediate alerts about active shooter situations on school grounds. It mandates that the system works with all device types, automatically contacts local law enforcement or the State Police upon activation, and must be customized by each school using the system to include registered contacts. The bill applies to all public and nonpublic schools in New Jersey.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands the Office of State Long-Term Care Ombudsman's jurisdiction to cover all long-term care facility residents, not just elderly residents as previously defined. It appropriates $1 million total - $700,000 for additional staff, vehicles, and operational expenses, and $300,000 for a statewide advertising campaign to promote the Volunteer Advocate program. The bill updates statutory language to remove outdated references to "patients" and "clients" and revises reporting requirements for investigations to better protect residents' rights. This legislation directly affects long-term care facilities, their residents, and the ombudsman's office, which will now have broader authority to investigate complaints and advocate for residents' welfare.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits most geographic restrictions in employment contracts for physicians in New Jersey, making clauses that limit where physicians can practice after leaving a job void and unenforceable. Exceptions include restrictions for leaving large hospital systems (30+ physicians) or small systems (30 or fewer) to join similar-sized systems in the same area, restrictions after leaving federally qualified health centers within 5 miles for up to 4 years, and restrictions tied to "unique incentives" like signing bonuses over $50,000. The bill does not affect non-restrictive contract terms and applies immediately to new physician contracts. It directly impacts physicians and their employers in New Jersey, particularly in hospital systems and group practices.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A1837) requires most tobacco product retailers in New Jersey (excluding cigar shops) to stock and sell at least one FDA-approved nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) product for tobacco cessation. Retailers may choose which NRT products to carry, but must display them behind the counter with printed notices and the NJ Smoking Quitline contact information. If out of stock, retailers must reorder within five business days and restock within 14 days. The law applies to stores selling any tobacco products (including e-cigarettes), but exempts cigar shops that sell only cigars and accessories. It takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires most landlords in New Jersey to notify tenants if work on adjacent properties (such as construction or demolition) might cause damage or hazards to their rental unit, or if the landlord plans to conduct such work themselves. Landlords must provide written notice within five business days of receiving written notice about the work, using mail, posted notices, or electronic delivery. Failure to provide this notice could result in a penalty of up to $200 per offense, enforced through local courts. The requirement does not apply to landlords of small properties (e.g., owner-occupied homes with two or fewer units) or certain seasonal rentals.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires that when appointing members to state boards, commissions, or similar bodies established by law, the appointing official (such as the Governor, Senate President, or Assembly Speaker) must prioritize achieving racial and gender diversity that reflects New Jersey’s population. The goal of diversity becomes a primary consideration for all appointments made after the bill’s effective date, unless it conflicts with specific circumstances or the law creating the body. The bill defines "gender" to include gender identity and "race" as based on physical characteristics or shared ancestry. This policy change directly affects how officials select members for these state entities, aiming to improve representation without mandating specific quotas.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires new public buildings or substantial renovations (costing $40,000 or more) to install induction loop listening systems, which transmit sound directly to hearing aids with a telecoil feature. It applies to spaces regularly open to the public, such as libraries, theaters, banks, medical waiting areas, and grocery checkouts. Building owners must post visible signage indicating the system’s availability and confirm its functionality every two years. Installation may be exempt if a local agency deems it impractical for the specific space.

Maddy summaryThis bill would prohibit New Jersey law enforcement officers from initiating motor vehicle stops solely for most traffic violations (Title 39 violations), instead allowing them to issue citations by mail to the registered vehicle owner. The bill requires officers to provide photos or video evidence of the violation with the citation and establishes a rebuttable presumption that the registered owner committed the violation, while permitting owners to contest citations electronically rather than appearing in court. Exceptions allowing stops include serious violations like reckless driving, speeding 30+ mph over the limit, driving while intoxicated, racing, and situations posing immediate public safety risks. The bill also prohibits officers from asking for consent to search during stops for minor traffic violations and limits drug-detection canine use during such stops.

Maddy summaryThis bill criminalizes individuals who falsely claim ownership or possession of a residential property to rent it out or gain a benefit without the owner's consent. It targets "imposter landlords" who advertise rentals they don't legally control, making such actions a fourth-degree crime (up to 18 months in jail or $10,000 fine). The law does not apply to legitimate tenants, subtenants, or real estate professionals acting in good faith with a client's verified occupancy rights. It also explicitly excludes online platforms from liability under federal Section 230. Violations would also trigger New Jersey's Consumer Fraud Act, allowing for triple damages and attorney fees.