Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the "Motor Vehicle Open Recall Notice and Fair Compensation Act" to improve transparency around vehicle recalls and provide fair compensation for dealers. It requires motor vehicle dealers to check for open recalls on used vehicles using the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website before sale, inform prospective buyers about any recalls found, and not sell vehicles subject to stop-sale or do-not-drive notices. Dealers must also provide the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission with lists of vehicles with long-unfixed recalls (six months or more), triggering the Commission to send official notices to vehicle owners. The bill also establishes compensation requirements for dealers when parts are unavailable for recalled vehicles, requiring 1.75 percent of the vehicle's value per month for used vehicles or the manufacturer's suggested retail price for new vehicles.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill exempts certain Class C alcoholic beverage licenses held by developers, redevelopers, or their tenants from the requirement that licenses must be actively used within two consecutive license terms. The exemption applies only if the license is intended for a premises in a redevelopment, improvement, or revitalization area that covers at least 250,000 square feet and has secured municipal site plan approval. This prevents the license from expiring due to inactivity during the development project. The bill directly affects businesses involved in large-scale redevelopment projects in New Jersey.
Maddy summaryThis bill revises licensing requirements for residential facilities providing substance use disorder treatment in New Jersey. It mandates new applicants to submit a financial audit by an independent accountant (paid by the applicant) and undergo criminal background checks for owners/principals, with licensure denied for findings of fraud or dishonesty. The Department of Health must also conduct unannounced facility inspections. These changes directly affect new and existing treatment facilities seeking or maintaining state licensure.
Maddy summaryThis bill (A5373) allows New Jersey municipalities to acquire real property that is abandoned, vacant, or subject to unpaid taxes through two new methods: purchasing it at fair market value or using eminent domain (instead of relying solely on existing laws like the Abandoned Properties Rehabilitation Act). It defines "abandoned" or "vacant" as property meeting at least four specific conditions (e.g., overgrown vegetation, disconnected utilities, accumulated debris, or neighbor reports), while excluding properties under active renovation, seasonal occupancy, or in legal ownership disputes. Municipalities may deduct unpaid taxes and liens from the purchase price, and if they cannot locate an owner, they must hold funds for one year before turning them over under unclaimed property laws. The bill directly affects municipalities seeking to clear blighted properties and owners of properties deemed abandoned under the new criteria.
Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits anyone developing or deploying an artificial intelligence system in New Jersey from advertising or claiming the system can act as a licensed mental health professional. It directly affects AI developers and businesses using AI in mental health contexts within the state. Violations would be treated as consumer fraud under existing law, potentially resulting in fines up to $20,000 per offense and enforcement actions by the Attorney General. The law aims to prevent misleading public claims about AI's capabilities in mental health care.
Maddy summaryThis bill dedicates a portion of wine sales tax revenue to the "Jersey Fresh Program Fund." Specifically, it requires the State Treasurer to deposit $0.21875 per gallon from wine, vermouth, and sparkling wine sales by licensed wineries into the fund, equaling 25% of that tax. The money will fund the Jersey Fresh branding program, which promotes locally grown New Jersey agricultural products like fruits, vegetables, seafood, and processed foods through advertising and marketing. This expands the fund's current sources, which previously relied on voluntary contributions via income tax returns.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Board of Public Utilities (BPU) and Environmental Department to conduct a study of wave and tidal energy potential after completing a pilot project. Within 15 months of the pilot's completion, they must submit a report with specific generation targets (in megawatts) for wave and tidal energy by 2030, 2040, and 2050. The report will guide updates to the state's Energy Master Plan to incorporate these goals, alongside exploring incentives like renewable energy credits. The legislation aims to position New Jersey as a national leader in ocean energy development while advancing the state's clean energy targets.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires members of New Jersey's Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to meet specific experience and training standards. At least two members must have three years of professional experience in energy policy, infrastructure, or utility regulation, while at least one must have three years in consumer advocacy or ratepayer representation. All members must complete 12 hours of annual training on topics like energy market trends, grid modernization, and renewable energy policies from accredited sources. The bill also mandates that appointments consider geographic diversity across urban, suburban, and rural areas.
Maddy summaryAJR 62 designates the first week of May each year as "Children's Mental Health Awareness Week" in New Jersey. The resolution requests the Governor issue an annual proclamation encouraging public officials and residents to observe the week with activities promoting awareness of children's mental health. It aims to reduce stigma and improve access to treatment for children with mental health disorders, as highlighted in the bill's rationale about their vulnerability to school suspensions, substance use, and justice system involvement. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic annual observance.
Maddy summaryThis bill (A5572) establishes new quorum rules for New Jersey professional licensing boards and committees that process license applications without requiring legal review due to criminal background checks. It allows a quorum to be formed with just the chair present if the entity cannot achieve a regular quorum after 90 days due to vacancies or needing all members present at every meeting. The change specifically applies to entities overseen by the Division of Consumer Affairs or other state agencies handling licensure applications. This streamlines processing for certain applications while maintaining oversight requirements. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.