Asm. Gabe Rodriguez

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill codifies a tenant's right to use a landlord's failure to maintain habitable housing as a defense in eviction cases. It requires landlords to address habitability issues (like unsafe conditions) after receiving notice, and allows tenants who withheld rent due to such problems to reduce their rent obligation to the property's fair value during the defect. Courts must order inspections by code enforcement officials, then set rent reductions, repair timelines, and payment schedules if a habitability breach is proven. The bill directly affects residential tenants, landlords, and courts handling eviction cases involving unsafe living conditions.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's bill A 3715 establishes a five-year pilot program to provide integrated early childhood services from pregnancy through age three. The program targets 50 underperforming public schools in low-income communities, selecting them based on student performance data and community need. It requires partnerships between schools, health providers, nonprofits, and community organizations to deliver coordinated prenatal care, pediatric health services, nutrition support, and developmental resources for infants and toddlers. A state-selected nonprofit will manage the pilot, assign site coordinators to participating schools, and develop application criteria for school participation.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey Assembly Resolution (AR 79) requests Congress to enact Medicare coverage for eyeglasses, hearing aids, and dentures. It directly addresses elderly Medicare beneficiaries, noting that nearly 100% of those aged 55+ require reading glasses, 42% have significant hearing loss, and many need dentures - yet current Medicare excludes these essential devices. The resolution formally asks Congress to expand Medicare to cover these costs, aiming to reduce financial strain on seniors. Introduced to the Assembly Aging and Human Services Committee in January 2026, it is a non-binding memorial urging federal action.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (AR 23) urges the U.S. Congress to renew funding for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which provides broadband internet discounts to low-income households. The ACP currently offers up to $30/month (or $75 on Tribal lands) for internet service and a one-time $100 device discount, benefiting over 20 million households nationwide - including 335,079 in New Jersey as of January 2024. The program is set to expire in April 2024 if Congress does not provide additional funding to replenish its $14.2 billion budget. New Jersey has received $152 million in ACP funding, saving enrolled households $8.3 million monthly on internet costs.

Maddy summaryAJR 112 establishes a 11-member Commission to review how pandemic-related rules and orders (like Executive Order 103) affected small businesses in New Jersey. The Commission, appointed by the Governor, Senate President, and Assembly Speaker, will analyze impacts on small businesses (defined as having ≤100 full-time employees), investment, economic growth, and recovery. It must hold at least three public hearings and issue reports with findings and recommendations to the Governor and Legislature after each meeting. The Commission expires when the state’s public health emergency ends. This resolution does not create new laws but mandates a review of existing pandemic policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires public water suppliers in New Jersey to immediately notify local governments and schools whenever a serious drinking water violation occurs under federal EPA rules. Specifically, suppliers must contact municipal officials and school administrators (including charter schools, nonpublic schools, and colleges) via phone and email within the affected area. The notification must detail the contaminant, test results, locations of violations, and suggested remedies for affected customers. It applies to all public water systems and ensures transparency about water safety issues impacting communities and educational institutions.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires owners of qualifying multi-unit residential buildings (three or more stories with two or more dwelling units) to install three-hour fire barriers in common attic, loft, or cockloft areas. These barriers must slow fire spread between units, improving safety for residents and firefighters during emergencies. The requirement applies to both new construction (where permits must include the provision) and existing buildings, which must comply within 180 days of implementing regulations. The Commissioner of Community Affairs must establish specific rules within six months of the bill's effective date to enforce these fire safety standards.

Maddy summaryThe "HOPE Initiative Act" (A464) requires New Jersey to establish a statewide public awareness campaign to combat the heroin and opioid epidemic. It mandates the Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services to develop a multicultural campaign ("HOPE Initiative") using all media channels to educate diverse audiences - including at-risk individuals, families, medical professionals, first responders, and employers - on addiction pathways, warning signs, treatment options, naloxone use, and prevention strategies. Key provisions include debunking myths about addiction, highlighting treatment benefits, promoting naloxone access, and addressing prescription opioid misuse. The campaign must use culturally appropriate messaging in multiple languages and leverage public-private partnerships for wider reach. This is a procedural bill focused on education, not regulatory changes.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey bill A-484 allows local sewer and water authorities to create programs reducing monthly fees for low-income residents. It directly affects households with incomes at or below federal poverty guidelines (capped at existing state assistance thresholds), requiring applicants to own or rent a dwelling unit and meet specific residency criteria. Authorities must establish eligibility procedures, verify income documentation, and ensure sufficient budget funds to cover reduced revenue before implementing these fee cuts. The bill also requires authorities to advertise available reductions to residents and prohibits overlapping discounts with existing programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a legal presumption requiring pretrial detention for drivers charged with reckless vehicular homicide under two specific circumstances: (1) when operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol/drugs with a blood alcohol concentration at or above the legal limit (0.08%), or (2) when operating under the influence near schools (within 1,000 feet of school property, through designated school crossings, or where juveniles were known to be present). It directly affects drivers convicted of DUI-related vehicular homicide in these scenarios, mandating detention before trial unless the court finds exceptional circumstances. The presumption applies to violations of sections 2C:11-5(b)(1) and (b)(3) of New Jersey law. This change modifies sentencing procedures without altering the underlying criminal charges.