Rep. Annette Chaparro

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey domestic violence protection orders (TROs) and related victim notices to be available in multiple languages, not just English. Specifically, it mandates that court notices and temporary restraining order templates be prepared in English, Spanish, and up to 10 additional high-demand languages spoken in the state. The Administrative Office of the Courts must create these multilingual materials to ensure victims with limited English proficiency can understand their rights and legal options. This directly affects domestic violence victims who speak languages other than English, improving access to critical legal protections.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A-1475, now P.L.2023, c.230) requires courts to consider "coercive control" when deciding domestic violence restraining orders. Coercive control is defined as patterns of behavior that unreasonably interfere with a person’s freedom, including isolating victims from support, depriving them of basics, controlling finances, or using threats (like those based on immigration status). The bill adds this factor to the list courts must evaluate alongside other considerations like past abuse and immediate danger. It directly affects domestic violence victims and courts handling restraining order cases by ensuring non-physical control tactics are formally addressed.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 5281, approved as P.L.2023, c.250) eliminates the position of constable in New Jersey by removing all statutory references to constables from state law. It directly affects constables (who are being phased out) and updates legal procedures that previously involved constables, such as property distraints, court processes, and arrest protocols. Key provisions replace every instance of "constable" in existing statutes with "sheriff" or remove the reference entirely, shifting responsibilities to sheriffs. The bill implements a recommendation from a state commission report to modernize outdated law. It does not create new legal powers but adjusts existing procedures to reflect the elimination of the constable role.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires telecommunications and cable companies, as well as other entities owning lines, to remove abandoned lines (defined as those not used for 24 consecutive months or not maintained safely) and mark lines attached to buildings with their ownership details. It mandates that entities either correct or remove abandoned lines within 12 months of the bill's effective date and mark new or existing unmarked lines on structures with their name or identifier. Property owners and the Board of Utilities can request removal of suspected abandoned lines, with entities required to respond within five business days. The law applies specifically to above-ground lines used for telecommunications or cable service, excluding certain connected lines in residential/commercial areas.