Asm. Carmen Morales

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey law to increase penalties for public servants who disclose domestic violence or sexual assault victims' personal information during official misconduct. Currently, such misconduct is a second-degree crime only if the benefit involved exceeds $200, otherwise it's a less severe third-degree crime. Under this bill, disclosing victims' personal information - defined as names, addresses, Social Security numbers, or other identifying details - automatically elevates the offense to a second-degree crime, regardless of the benefit's value. This change imposes stricter penalties: second-degree crimes carry 5-10 years in prison or fines up to $150,000, versus 3-5 years or $15,000 for third-degree offenses. It directly affects public servants like police, court staff, or social workers handling victim cases.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all licensed child care centers in New Jersey to maintain an appropriate supply of epinephrine auto-injector devices (like EpiPens) and ensure at least one staff member is trained to administer them during operating hours. It directly affects licensed child care centers operating under New Jersey's child care licensing laws (P.L.1983, c.492). The key provisions mandate the equipment and training, with the Commissioner of Health allowed to create implementing rules. The bill takes immediate effect upon enactment but is currently pending before the Assembly Health Committee.

Maddy summaryThis bill, if passed, would criminalize using a defaced or stolen firearm to harm police officers in New Jersey. It creates two new offenses: using such a firearm to cause *serious* injury would be a first-degree crime (enhanced penalties), while causing *less severe* injury would be a second-degree crime. The law defines "defaced" as removing identification marks (like serial numbers), excluding normal wear or damage. It also ensures these convictions don't merge with other charges the offender intended to commit. The bill is currently pending in the Assembly Judiciary Committee (introduced January 2026).

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey health insurers to cover specific breast cancer detection services for all women with health insurance in the state. It mandates coverage for a baseline mammogram starting at age 18 (previously 40), annual mammograms for women 18 and older, and additional imaging like ultrasounds or MRIs when medically necessary due to dense breast tissue, abnormal results, family history, genetic factors, or other risk indicators. The coverage applies to all group and individual health insurance contracts and must be provided at the same level as other medical benefits. The bill updates existing law to expand access to early detection screenings based on current medical guidelines.

Maddy summaryThis bill, the "New Jersey Health Care and Privacy Protection Act," prohibits businesses from disclosing precise geolocation data (like GPS coordinates within 1,750 feet) of individuals near reproductive health care facilities. It directly affects businesses that collect location data (e.g., apps, services) and patients seeking reproductive health care, including abortion, contraception, and pregnancy testing services. The key provision bans the sharing of such location data when individuals are near these facilities, while excluding public records or communication content. The law aims to protect patient privacy by preventing location tracking from being used to identify or target people accessing these services.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey parents and guardians to deduct up to $1,200 from their taxable income for eligible school supply purchases made for students in public or private K-12 schools or higher education institutions. It specifically covers common items like notebooks, pencils, folders, calculators, paper, and other standard classroom materials. The deduction applies to purchases made during the taxable year and takes effect for years beginning after the bill's enactment date. This creates a direct tax benefit for families covering recurring school-related expenses.

Maddy summaryThis bill (NJ A2243) expands New Jersey's Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) eligibility to include married individuals who are victims of domestic abuse and file as "married filing separately." It exempts these taxpayers from the usual requirement to file jointly to qualify for the credit, provided they meet three conditions: living apart from their spouse, unable to file jointly due to abuse, and marking their tax return accordingly. The change directly affects domestic abuse survivors who would otherwise lose access to the state EITC by filing separately. The policy ensures these individuals can claim the credit without being forced to file jointly with an abuser.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill requires the state health and children's departments to create a public awareness campaign about infant crying patterns and shaken baby syndrome. The campaign will provide information in English and Spanish online and through community organizations like hospitals, clinics, and child care centers to help parents and caregivers understand the normal "Period of PURPLE Crying" (a phase of increased infant crying) and prevent abusive head trauma. It mandates a two-year report to the governor and legislature on the campaign's activities. The initiative aims to promote child safety by educating caregivers on infant development and prevention.

Maddy summaryAJR 18 is a non-binding New Jersey joint resolution urging the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to study hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) as a potential treatment for veterans with treatment-resistant PTSD or traumatic brain injury (TBI). It does not create new programs or funding but requests the VA conduct research on HBOT's efficacy, referencing existing VA pilot programs and prior evidence reviews. The resolution directly addresses the VA, not veterans or healthcare providers, and focuses on gathering evidence to inform future treatment options. It was introduced in the New Jersey Assembly's Military and Veterans' Affairs Committee.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits landlords and software sellers from using or providing algorithmic devices that set, recommend, or advise on rents or occupancy rates for residential properties in New Jersey. It directly affects landlords (including large corporate owners) and companies that develop or sell such software, banning tools that analyze non-public competitor data to influence pricing. The law defines "algorithmic device" to exclude software using public data or affordable housing program guidelines, ensuring it doesn’t restrict standard rent-setting practices. Violations carry civil penalties up to $1,000 per violation, with the Attorney General able to seek damages or injunctions.