Asm. Shanique Speight

Maddy summaryThis bill gives consumers the right to cancel certain home improvement contracts (over $500) within 3 business days, or up to 5 days if aged 60+ or with an intellectual disability. For consumer goods contracts over $500, seniors and individuals with intellectual disabilities may cancel within 3 business days. Contractors must include a clear cancellation notice in contracts and refund all payments within 30 days of cancellation. The law applies to home remodeling and similar goods but excludes real estate transactions.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes tax credits for developers of sports and entertainment facilities (like arenas) in New Jersey, covering a portion of project costs after other funding sources are applied. It specifically adds extra tax credits for the New Jersey Aspire Program (which helps workers enter new fields) and the Emerge Program (supporting small business development). To qualify, developers must contribute at least 20% of the project cost themselves and address a "project financing gap" identified after seeking other capital. The credits aim to support facility renovations and new projects that attract visitors, generate tax revenue, and create jobs in local communities.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a temporary exemption to New Jersey's ban on importing woodchucks (groundhogs) specifically for Groundhog Day celebrations. It allows counties or municipalities to replace a deceased local Groundhog Day mascot by importing a woodchuck from another state, provided they first try to use a woodchuck found within New Jersey or imported from a state without certain rabies variants. The Division of Fish and Wildlife must provide guidelines for safe handling, housing, and prioritize local sources before approving out-of-state imports, with the goal of minimizing public health risks.

Maddy summaryThis bill would automatically renew off-track wagering licenses without requiring commission approval, as long as licensees file renewal forms and pay applicable fees. It reduces the minimum required number of annual thoroughbred races from 50 to 25 at Meadowlands Racetrack and Monmouth Park, with consent from the New Jersey Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association. The bill also shortens the timeframe for unclaimed cash vouchers from three years to one year, with the value split equally between the facility and the purse account. These changes primarily affect off-track wagering licensees, horse racing facilities, and the New Jersey Racing Commission.

Maddy summaryThis bill upgrades penalties for cyber-harassment targeting public servants or their family members, making it a third-degree crime (up from fourth degree under current law). It establishes the Office of Cyber-Harassment Support within the Department of Law and Public Safety to provide victim assistance, develop educational programs, and coordinate with law enforcement and social media platforms. The office will create accessible reporting systems, offer counseling, promote cyber ethics in schools, and train law enforcement on investigating cyber-harassment cases. The bill appropriates state funds to implement these provisions, directly affecting public servants, their families, and victims of online harassment.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey school districts that have moved their annual school election to November to submit separate proposals for additional funding for either the current budget year, the following year, or both. Currently, districts that move elections to November must implement funding increases during the school year when the election occurs, creating budgeting challenges. The bill provides these districts with greater flexibility by enabling them to delay implementing tax levy increases for approved proposals until the subsequent school year. It specifically prevents districts from using "banked" tax levy amounts for the subsequent year if they approve a separate proposal for that year. This change helps districts better plan for initiatives like expanding educational programs, as they can time funding implementation to align with their budget cycles.

Maddy summaryAJR 57 designates March 30th of each year as "Menstrual Toxic Shock Syndrome Awareness Day" in New Jersey. The resolution requests the Governor issue an annual proclamation encouraging public awareness activities about MTSS, a rare but serious bacterial infection. This procedural resolution does not create new laws or policies, but formally establishes an annual day to highlight MTSS prevention and symptoms for New Jersey residents.

Maddy summaryThis bill upgrades cyber-harassment targeting public servants or their family members to a third-degree crime (up from fourth-degree), increasing penalties. It establishes the Office of Cyber-Harassment Support within New Jersey’s Department of Law and Public Safety to provide victim assistance, develop educational programs, and coordinate with law enforcement and social media platforms to prevent such harassment. The office will create accessible reporting systems, offer counseling and legal aid, promote cyber ethics education in schools, and train law enforcement on handling cyber-harassment cases. The bill appropriates necessary funds from the General Fund to implement these provisions.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the delivery of electronic smoking devices and tobacco products to anyone under 21 years old. It requires that any delivery to a residence must be signed for by an adult resident (21+), with an exception for U.S. Postal Service employees under federal law. Violations by retailers or delivery services can result in civil fines ($250-$1,000 per violation) and potential license suspension for repeat offenses. The law applies to all tobacco products and electronic smoking devices, including e-cigarettes and related components, and amends existing New Jersey statutes governing tobacco sales.