Asm. Barbara McCann Stamato

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies New Jersey's Department of Human Services (DHS) authority to regulate sober living homes and halfway houses as residential substance abuse aftercare facilities. It requires background checks for facility administrators, representative payees (who receive government benefits on behalf of residents), and property owners, disqualifying those with certain criminal convictions. The bill mandates a one-week notice period before removing a resident (except in cases of immediate safety threats), requires biweekly inspections during investigations, and establishes a public registry tracking available openings in these facilities by county. These provisions aim to enhance safety and transparency for residents of substance abuse treatment facilities.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A1941) requires the New Jersey Commission on Human Trafficking to expand public awareness signage about human trafficking to 12 new types of establishments, including gas stations, staffing agencies, law enforcement offices, nail salons, and Motor Vehicle Commission offices. The signage must display the national 24-hour human trafficking hotline number and meet specific size (8.5" x 11") and language (English/Spanish) requirements. Businesses failing to comply face civil penalties of $300 for a first offense and $1,000 for subsequent violations. The bill directly affects all covered establishments by mandating visible signage to educate the public on trafficking resources.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey's human trafficking law to include individuals who financially benefit from trafficking operations, regardless of whether they are organizers, supervisors, or managers. It expands the statute so that receiving any financial gain - such as from exploiting victims in sex or labor trafficking - now constitutes the crime. The law applies to all financial beneficiaries, closing a gap that previously allowed some profiteers to avoid prosecution. This change updates the statute to hold all participants who profit from trafficking accountable under criminal law.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires lactation consultants providing clinical breastfeeding support (like evaluation, treatment planning, and specialized care) in New Jersey to obtain state licensure. It establishes a licensing board to verify applicants meet International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) standards, including background checks and continuing education. The law prohibits unlicensed individuals from using titles like "lactation consultant" or offering clinical services under those titles, but exempts WIC peer counselors, medical students, and those providing general breastfeeding education without clinical treatment. It directly affects professionals offering clinical lactation care while allowing existing unlicensed support roles to continue.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits sports wagering licensees in New Jersey from offering "micro bets," which are wagers placed on the outcome of the very next play or action in a sporting event (such as whether the next pitch in baseball will be a strike). The bill defines micro bets as proposition bets made live during games on specific plays rather than on the final game outcome. Violating this prohibition would result in a disorderly persons offense with fines ranging from $500 to $1,000 per offense, with each wager constituting a separate violation. The bill aims to address concerns about rapid, high-volume betting contributing to problem gambling, which the bill states has been increasing in New Jersey.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires contractors and subcontractors working on public projects to submit payroll records to New Jersey's Department of Labor and Workforce Development (DOLWD). It applies to any business performing work for public bodies (like state/local governments or projects funded by public money), including construction, maintenance, or repair work. The key mechanism mandates that these contractors must register with DOLWD and provide payroll details to verify compliance with prevailing wage laws and apprenticeship program requirements. This affects all employers engaged in public work contracts, ensuring transparency in worker compensation and program participation.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires retail stores in New Jersey that sell gift cards to post a clear, visible notice at the gift card display area warning consumers about fraud risks and providing steps to take if fraud is suspected. It also mandates that these stores train employees on identifying and responding to gift card fraud, following guidelines to be established. Businesses failing to comply face a $1,000 civil penalty per violation. The law applies to all retail establishments selling gift cards to consumers, including stores and merchants.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A3007) raises the maximum age for residents in New Jersey pediatric long-term care facilities from 19 to 26 years old. It directly affects these facilities and young adults aged 19-26 who currently may not qualify for such care under existing law. The key provision amends licensing requirements to allow facilities to admit and provide services to residents age 26 or younger. The Commissioner of Health must adopt implementing rules, and the change takes effect immediately. (Based on bill text, current law limits pediatric care to under age 19.)

Maddy summaryThis bill extends the time teachers can be away from service while maintaining membership in New Jersey's Teachers' Pension and Annuity Fund (TPAF). It increases the standard discontinuance period from two to seven years, and extends the return-to-service window to 25 years for teachers who were laid off or voluntarily left with 10 or more years of service. Teachers returning within these extended timeframes will be re-enrolled in the TPAF at their previous tier with no additional contributions required. The changes apply to all current and future TPAF members who meet the specified conditions.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's A3974 prohibits substance use disorder treatment providers from using deceptive marketing practices. The bill requires all advertising to include accurate, plain-language details about services, locations, and contact information (including phone numbers and addresses), and bans false claims about network status, geographic location, or affiliations with other providers without written consent. Violations carry civil penalties up to $20,000 per incident, and affected individuals may sue for triple damages plus attorney fees. This directly affects licensed treatment facilities, certified providers, and recovery residences offering substance use disorder services within the state.