Asm. Mike Venezia

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a New Jersey gross income tax credit for taxpayers who pay qualified youth sports expenses on behalf of their dependents. The credit allows taxpayers to claim up to $2,000 per qualifying individual, who must be a dependent aged 10 to 18 years old. Eligible expenses include registration fees, uniforms, equipment, travel, training, and tournament costs, and taxpayers must provide documentation such as receipts and proof of payment to claim the credit. The bill also requires the state tax director to advertise the new credit to municipalities, schools, and youth sports organizations.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits retail food stores and third-party grocery delivery platforms from charging different prices for the same products based on surveillance data collected about individual shoppers (like tracking behavior or location). It defines "surveillance-based price setting" as using such data to customize prices, making it unlawful except for specific cases like cost-based differences or clearly disclosed group discounts (e.g., for veterans or loyalty program members). Stores must clearly disclose eligibility for discounts and cannot use surveillance data for profiling or targeted advertising beyond administering discounts. The law directly affects grocery retailers, delivery apps, and consumers purchasing food items, aiming to prevent price discrimination using personal data.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Responsibility in Firearms Sales Act, would require all firearms manufacturers operating in New Jersey to obtain an annual license from the State Police. The legislation directly affects companies that manufacture or sell firearms at wholesale, as well as retail dealers who sell to consumers. Under the proposed rules, manufacturers must apply for and maintain a valid license each year, and retail dealers cannot sell firearms unless the manufacturer holds a current license. The bill also establishes definitions for terms like "firearm injury," "victim of firearms," and "permanent disability" to support the licensing framework.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits businesses in New Jersey from using, selling, or distributing algorithmic devices that set prices for goods or services based on a consumer's personal data. It directly affects companies that use software to dynamically adjust prices for individual customers, such as online retailers or subscription services. The law defines an algorithmic device as any software program that uses algorithms to calculate prices using personal information linked to a specific consumer, while a consumer is defined as an individual acting in a personal or household context rather than a commercial one. Violations could result in civil penalties of up to $1,000 per incident, injunctive relief, restitution, and the Attorney General may recover legal fees if they prevail in court. The bill also amends existing state consumer protection laws to clarify definitions of terms like "personal data," "consumer," and "algorithmic device."

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a Youth Detention Task Force in New Jersey to evaluate the current state of youth detention and recommend a system that best serves young people. The task force will consist of 25 members, including legislators, state officials, and public representatives from various organizations, who will examine factors like safety, resources, and rehabilitation opportunities. Members will meet to conduct reviews and public hearings, ultimately submitting a report with findings and recommendations to the Governor and Legislature within 18 months. The act expires 30 days after the report is submitted, and task force members serve without pay but may receive expense reimbursements.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill requires operators of artificial intelligence companion systems to clearly notify users that they are not communicating with a human. The notification must be provided verbally or in writing at the start of each interaction and repeated at least every three hours. The law defines AI companions as systems that simulate human relationships through personalized conversations, emotional engagement, and sustained dialogue. Operators who fail to provide these notifications face a $15,000 civil penalty for each violation. The bill applies to any business or individual offering AI companions for personal use within the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires insurance carriers in New Jersey to cover prescription drugs for serious mental illnesses like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and PTSD without requiring prior authorization or step therapy. It directly affects individuals with these conditions who need mental health coverage through health plans, ensuring they can access necessary medications without unnecessary administrative hurdles. The law also mandates that insurers report annually on how they develop medical necessity criteria for mental health and substance use disorder treatments, increasing transparency in coverage decisions. Additionally, carriers must provide information about in-plan exceptions when qualified providers are not available in their network.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires employers in New Jersey to provide accommodations to employees who are breastfeeding, adding breastfeeding to the list of protected characteristics under state employment discrimination laws. The legislation amends existing statutes to prohibit employers from discriminating against employees based on breastfeeding status, ensuring they receive the same protections against unfair treatment as those afforded to other protected groups. By updating the Law Against Discrimination, the bill aims to support working parents by legally mandating workplace accommodations for breastfeeding needs.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the "Safe Sanitary Subsidized Rental Housing Bill of Rights" to strengthen protections for tenants in publicly subsidized rental housing in New Jersey. It requires landlords receiving rental subsidies to maintain safe and sanitary conditions and creates a process where courts must notify the Department of Community Affairs when habitability issues are alleged in subsidized units. Under the bill, housing inspections must occur within 10 days of such notices, and landlords found to have significant violations may face withholding of rental subsidies until repairs are completed. The legislation also mandates that landlords of subsidized properties register for at least 90 days before a court can enter a judgment of possession, and it updates existing landlord registration requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new Men's Health Commission within New Jersey's Department of Health to address the growing gap in life expectancy between men and women. The commission will consist of 25 members appointed by the Governor, Senate, and Assembly, as well as representatives from men's health organizations and individual applicants. Its main duties include developing awareness programs, researching health disparities among men, and creating strategies to improve men's health outcomes through community outreach and partnerships. The commission will meet at least four times per year and can request data from state agencies to support its work.