Asm. Carmen Morales

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A 5304) increases penalties for prostitution offenses and creates two new crimes: "leader of a prostitution network" and "participant in a prostitution network." It directly affects individuals who organize or manage prostitution operations (leaders) or actively take part in them (participants), not clients or sex workers themselves. Key provisions include mandatory minimum prison terms of 5 years or one-third to one-half of the sentence for these new offenses, while upgrading penalties for child prostitution and adding 6-month driving suspensions for repeat offenders using vehicles in prostitution. The law amends existing statutes to clarify definitions and strengthen criminal consequences for network-related activities.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a 17-member Task Force on Aging within New Jersey's Department of Health. The task force will study state resources and services for older residents, review policies affecting seniors, examine support for family caregivers, and evaluate long-term care quality. It must issue an initial report with recommendations to the Governor and Legislature within 18 months, followed by biennial updates. The task force includes government officials, aging advocacy representatives, senior citizens (including those in care facilities), and healthcare professionals specializing in geriatrics. Its work aims to improve services supporting aging residents' dignity and independence, without creating new laws or funding.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill increases income and resource thresholds for Medicaid eligibility, primarily affecting older adults, disabled individuals, and those needing long-term care services. It raises the income limit for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled (ABD) program from 100% to 138% of the federal poverty level (from $15,060 to $20,783 annually for an individual). The bill also increases resource limits from current levels ($4,000 for ABD and Medically Needy, $2,000 for MLTSS, $9,090 for Medicare Savings Programs) to $40,000 for individuals and $60,000 for couples. These changes will expand Medicaid access for more New Jersey residents who qualify under these eligibility groups.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey county colleges to use online platforms for public bidding processes, expanding beyond current requirements that mandate newspaper advertisements. It permits colleges to publish bid notices, accept electronic submissions, and send revisions via email or digital services, while still requiring newspaper publication as an option. The change applies to all procurement contracts and surplus property sales managed by county colleges. The bill does not eliminate newspaper requirements but adds digital methods to increase accessibility and efficiency for bidders.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A5324) requires all New Jersey state, county, and municipal law enforcement agencies to report specific use-of-force incidents to county prosecutors within 24 hours. It defines "law enforcement incidents" as officer use of force causing death or serious injury, deadly force (including firearm discharge), or civilian deaths during encounters or in custody. The county prosecutor must immediately notify the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability (OPIA), which must select an independent investigator within 24 hours to conduct the investigation per Attorney General guidelines. The bill codifies existing Attorney General directives for these investigations, applying directly to law enforcement agencies and OPIA.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a Rent Control Enforcement Unit (RCEU) within New Jersey's Department of Community Affairs to address violations of local rent control rules. It allows residential tenants to petition the RCEU for review of rent increases they believe violate municipal rent restrictions (such as rent caps or stabilization rules), after exhausting local administrative options. The RCEU can enforce remedies including mandatory rent reductions to the lowest past rate, fines up to four months' rent, or authorization for tenants to end leases early. The unit will operate a dedicated helpline and online portal for reporting violations, with penalties funding a new enforcement fund. The bill appropriates $3 million to launch the unit and requires annual funding to cover operational costs.

Maddy summaryAJR 63 designates January 13 of each year as Korean American Day in New Jersey to commemorate the arrival of the first Korean immigrants on January 13, 1903. The resolution requests the Governor to issue an annual proclamation encouraging state officials and citizens to observe the day with appropriate activities and programs. It recognizes Korean Americans' historical contributions to the U.S. economy, military service across multiple conflicts, and cultural achievements, including their role in strengthening U.S.-Korea relations. This is a commemorative resolution with no direct policy changes or financial impact.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey telecom, cable, and internet providers to let customers pause or cancel service contracts without early termination fees when they move into a qualifying long-term care facility. It directly affects residents admitted to nursing homes, assisted living facilities, dementia care homes, or residential health care facilities for at least 90 days, as verified by a physician’s order or care plan. Providers must pause billing for a minimum 90 days upon admission, then cancel the contract if the resident remains in the facility beyond that period. The law mandates no fees for this pause/cancellation, though customers must provide physician documentation and typically give 45 days’ notice (or 48 hours in urgent cases).

Maddy summaryS 3879 amends the lists of environmental infrastructure projects eligible for loans from the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank for FY2025. The bill updates the "Storm Sandy and State Fiscal Year 2025 Clean Water Project Eligibility List" (152 projects) and the "Storm Sandy and State Fiscal Year 2025 Drinking Water Project Eligibility List" (67 projects) by adding new projects, removing some projects, and adjusting loan amounts for certain projects. This affects local governments, public water utilities, and other project sponsors seeking funding for clean water and drinking water infrastructure improvements. The bill authorizes the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank to provide loans for a total of 219 eligible projects for FY2025, with a total authorized loan amount of $2.47 billion (down from $2.73 billion).

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new grant program within New Jersey’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to help municipalities address flood risks. It directly affects all New Jersey municipalities by providing funding for flood risk assessments, structural solutions (like dikes and permeable pavements), emergency planning, public education, and sustainable infrastructure projects. The program requires the DEP to develop application guidelines, set eligibility criteria, prioritize communities in greatest need, and designate acceptable grant uses. Municipalities receiving funds must report on their use of funds and progress, while the DEP must submit annual effectiveness reports to the Governor and Legislature. The program aims to reduce flood impacts through concrete tools like flood mapping, vulnerability assessments, and technical assistance for resilient land-use planning.