Asm. Katie Brennan

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 3986) requires towing companies in New Jersey to accept electronic authorization from vehicle owners or operators to release towed vehicles to designated third parties. It directly affects towing companies registered with the Division of Consumer Affairs and third parties like insurance companies or collision repair shops. The key provision mandates that towing companies must accept written authorization sent electronically instead of requiring in-person pickup. The bill also requires the Director of Consumer Affairs to issue guidelines ensuring lawful property transfers. This update to the 2007 Predatory Towing Prevention Act simplifies vehicle release when owners don't need to be present.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits telecommunications, utility, and cable companies from charging customers' credit cards or bank accounts before the regular billing due date that would apply if the customer paid by cash, check, or money order. It directly affects customers who use automatic payment methods (credit card or direct debit) for their service bills. Companies may only charge early if the customer provides written consent or requests it via phone or another method approved by the Board of Public Utilities. The Board of Public Utilities will enforce these rules, ensuring customers have clear control over payment timing. The bill prevents unexpected early charges without explicit customer agreement.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new criminal offense for creating, sharing, or possessing digital content depicting the sexual exploitation or abuse of children - including computer-generated or manipulated images that appear to show minors. It specifically targets items where a child (under 18) is identifiable by face, likeness, or distinguishing features, or where a person is manipulated to look like a minor ("purported child"). The law prohibits distributing such content via the internet or file-sharing programs, and makes possessing it with intent to share a crime. It directly affects individuals who produce, distribute, or share these materials online, regardless of whether the child is real or digitally altered.

Maddy summaryThis bill, S 2996, eliminates physician collaboration requirements for advanced practice nurses (APNs) in New Jersey, allowing them to practice independently without supervision or joint protocols. It directly affects APNs - registered nurses with specialized training in primary and specialty care - and aims to improve healthcare access, particularly in underserved communities and for populations facing barriers like low income or transportation challenges. The key provision removes statutory restrictions that previously limited APNs' scope of practice, aligning New Jersey with 24 states that grant full practice authority. The bill cites pandemic-era waivers (Executive Order No. 112) that allowed similar independent practice without adverse incidents, and notes APNs could reduce healthcare access disparities by over 38% if restrictions are lifted.

Maddy summaryThis bill codifies New Jersey's Attorney General's "Strengthening Trust Between Law Enforcement and Immigrant Communities" directive into law. It directly affects all New Jersey state, county, and municipal law enforcement agencies and officers by prohibiting them from: (1) stopping or detaining people based solely on immigration status, (2) asking about immigration status except during specific criminal investigations, and (3) sharing personal information with federal immigration authorities for immigration enforcement purposes. The law clarifies that officers' primary duty is enforcing state criminal laws, not federal immigration law, and emphasizes that this does not prevent enforcing state criminal laws. The goal is to build trust in immigrant communities and ensure law enforcement resources focus on public safety rather than immigration enforcement.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 3114, the "Law Enforcement Officer Protection Act," requires police officers and other law enforcement personnel to reveal their faces and show official identification before detaining or arresting someone during public interactions. Officers must wear non-concealing uniforms, display a photo ID card, show a numbered badge, or verbally state their name and agency. Exceptions include undercover work, medical masks (with physician approval), smoke protection during emergencies, or when safety or an investigation is at risk. The law applies to all state, county, and municipal officers and takes effect immediately.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands the definition of human trafficking crimes in New Jersey and removes the statute of limitations for prosecuting these offenses, allowing authorities to pursue cases regardless of how much time has passed. It also creates specialized human trafficking response teams to coordinate investigations and support services, while increasing training and education requirements for law enforcement and related professionals. Additionally, the bill appropriates $1 million to the Commission on Human Trafficking to fund these initiatives and improve victim support systems.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Banking and Insurance to evaluate and rate financial institutions based on how well they serve low- and moderate-income consumers through lending, investments, and services. The law mandates that banks and credit unions develop community benefits plans with measurable goals for providing financial products to underserved areas and defines specific activities that count as community development, such as affordable housing, small business financing, and climate resilience projects. Financial institutions must demonstrate they meet the needs of the communities where they operate, and the Department will use these ratings to encourage continued support for local economic needs while ensuring safe and sound banking practices.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a symbolic resolution that recognizes the history of women's suffrage in New Jersey, honoring the first women who voted in the state more than 200 years ago. It highlights key historical moments, including the 1776 constitution that granted voting rights to certain women, the 1790 law that solidified these rights, and the 1807 law that restricted suffrage to white men. The resolution also acknowledges the 1920 ratification of the 19th Amendment and the decades of activism by New Jersey women that preceded it. Copies of the resolution will be sent to women's organizations and the National Women's History Museum.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires new flooring installations in schools, community centers, and licensed child care centers to be certified mercury-free by the manufacturer. It applies to all facilities using identified mercury-risk flooring materials, including existing buildings where such flooring was installed before current occupancy. Key provisions mandate certification for permits, require air quality testing if mercury is detected, and obligate owners to implement mitigation or remove unsafe flooring within six months if tests exceed safety thresholds. Violations by manufacturers issuing false certifications carry civil penalties of $10,000 for first offenses.