Asm. Shanique Speight

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A2303) clarifies that consent to being photographed, filmed, or recorded in an intimate or sexual context does not automatically allow the disclosure of those images. It requires separate, explicit consent for image disclosure - meaning a person’s permission to take a photo isn’t considered consent to share it. The law directly affects individuals in private settings (like dressing rooms) and anyone who might share such images without clear, separate permission. The key change prevents implied consent for disclosure, making it a distinct offense to share images without fresh, specific authorization.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 2245) allocates $30 million from New Jersey’s General Fund to the Department of Agriculture for FY2026 food and hunger programs. It directly supports the state’s six regional food banks, which collect and distribute surplus edible food to food pantries and nonprofits serving low-income communities. The funding will help sustain meals for approximately 800,000 New Jersey residents who rely on SNAP benefits, especially following disruptions to federal food assistance. The money is specifically designated for "Food and Hunger Programs" under the Department of Agriculture’s budget, with no new taxes or programs created.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a domestic violence prevention program within New Jersey's Department of Health to help healthcare providers identify and assist patients who may be victims of domestic violence. It requires the Commissioner of Health to develop mandatory training for all licensed healthcare professionals on screening patients during medical visits, recognizing warning signs, documenting concerns, and connecting patients with community resources. The program also mandates creating educational materials for both providers and patients about domestic violence risks, prevention, and available support services. The Department must collect data on the program's effectiveness and submit annual reports to the Governor and Legislature.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Attorney General to annually review all sex offenders released from prison or treatment facilities in the previous year. The review checks whether these individuals properly registered as required by law and were correctly assigned to a tier (which determines public notification levels). The Attorney General must complete this review by March 30th each year. The bill directly affects released sex offenders and the state's Attorney General's office, focusing on ensuring compliance with registration and tiering rules.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Health (DOH) and Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to create best practices for managing medical waste, focusing on public health and environmental protection. It directly affects hospitals (licensed under state law) and medical offices (non-licensed facilities providing medical services), mandating each to develop a written waste management plan based on those best practices. The plan must include clear guidelines for personal protective equipment use, visible waste sorting methods with signage, and instructions for properly identifying and sorting waste at its source. Additionally, facilities must train relevant employees on implementing these plans. The bill takes effect 180 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's Caregiver's Assistance Act creates a tax credit for residents who pay for care of elderly relatives. Caregivers with income under $100,000 (or $50,000 for certain filers) can get 22.5% back on up to $3,000 annually in qualified care costs. Eligible expenses include home health services, adult day care, home modifications, and personal care assistance for qualifying seniors aged 60+ (or 50+ with disability) who meet income requirements. The credit does not apply to costs covered by insurance or government programs, and it's in addition to existing dependent deductions.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey's Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act to clarify definitions and strengthen school responses to harassment, intimidation, and bullying (HIB). It updates the definition to explicitly include gender identity/expression and add new protections, while creating a tiered system for student consequences (counseling for first incidents, intervention plans for repeat offenses). Schools must now follow stricter reporting procedures, including written reports within two days and allowing anonymous reports (though disciplinary action requires non-anonymous evidence). The bill also permits anti-bullying specialists to receive paid compensation for their work. The bill is currently pending in the Assembly Education Committee (introduced January 13, 2026).

Maddy summaryThis bill (NJ A2243) expands New Jersey's Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) eligibility to include married individuals who are victims of domestic abuse and file as "married filing separately." It exempts these taxpayers from the usual requirement to file jointly to qualify for the credit, provided they meet three conditions: living apart from their spouse, unable to file jointly due to abuse, and marking their tax return accordingly. The change directly affects domestic abuse survivors who would otherwise lose access to the state EITC by filing separately. The policy ensures these individuals can claim the credit without being forced to file jointly with an abuser.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A1698) allows eligible voters to register to vote on election day or during early voting at their assigned polling place or early voting site, provided they meet specific requirements. It directly affects voters who missed the standard 21-day registration deadline before an election. Key provisions require voters to provide valid ID (like a utility bill or photo ID), complete a provisional ballot affirmation statement confirming they haven't voted already, and submit the registration in person. The bill updates existing law to make same-day registration at polling locations a standard option, ensuring provisional ballots from eligible voters are counted if all requirements are met.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 2180) requires New Jersey’s Department of Children and Families (DCF) and Department of Education (DOE) to create policies for handling child abuse and neglect during public health emergencies that limit in-person contact (like the pandemic). It directly affects children, families, school staff, and child protective workers by enabling remote investigations, case management, and access to services via phone or video. Key provisions include establishing remote reporting tools, public awareness campaigns about child safety during emergencies, mandatory online training for school staff on detecting abuse remotely, and collecting data on abuse reports during such crises. DCF must also analyze this data and report findings to the legislature within one year of the bill’s effective date.