Asm. Gary Schaer

Maddy summaryThis bill extends a three-year pilot program for another three years, allowing barbers who previously worked in a country or state without barbering licenses to obtain a temporary permit to practice in New Jersey for up to 120 days (with possible extensions) while applying for a full license. It also streamlines licensing for barbers from other states or countries with similar standards, eliminating the need for an exam, and requires three years of practical experience for those from jurisdictions with less stringent rules. The temporary permit mandates supervision by a licensed New Jersey barber and ensures compliance with state law during the application process. The program applies to specific cities in New Jersey and will be evaluated for effectiveness after completion.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all New Jersey public colleges and universities to provide students with information about food assistance programs. Specifically, institutions must include details about the federal SNAP program (food stamps) and campus or community food resources - such as food pantries or meal swipe programs - in initial admission offers and via email during each semester's registration. The state will develop standardized SNAP application links and program information for schools to distribute. This applies directly to students at public higher education institutions in New Jersey, aiming to improve access to food support.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Community Affairs (DCA) to allow multiple application methods for housing, shelter, and rental assistance programs - including Section 8 housing assistance and the State rental assistance program - instead of limiting applicants to online options alone. It mandates that applicants must be able to apply via regular mail, email, in-person delivery, or fax, where permitted by federal law. The policy directly affects individuals seeking state-administered housing aid, particularly those without reliable internet access. The bill aims to improve accessibility for vulnerable populations by expanding how they can submit applications. It takes effect three months after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Human Services to share eligibility data for certain low-income assistance programs (like Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, SNAP, and Supplemental Security Income) with agencies managing energy assistance programs. It mandates that those agencies automatically enroll eligible households into utility bill payment assistance or energy efficiency programs without requiring separate applications. The policy directly affects households already receiving federal or state needs-based aid, streamlining access to energy help. Key provisions include data-sharing agreements between state departments and automatic enrollment for qualifying individuals, as permitted by federal law. The bill takes effect six months after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A5195) requires manufacturers to provide written notice to purchasers when selling firefighting personal protective equipment (like jackets, helmets, or gloves) containing chemicals called PFAS (perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances). The notice must state that PFAS is present, explain why it's used, and list the specific chemicals. Beginning six months after the bill takes effect, manufacturers must provide this notice at sale, and both parties must keep copies for three years. Two years later, the bill prohibits selling, manufacturing, or distributing firefighting gear that intentionally contains PFAS. It directly affects manufacturers of firefighting PPE and fire departments purchasing this equipment.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes how New Jersey allocates state funding for auxiliary and remedial services provided to students in nonpublic schools. It requires the Commissioner of Education to establish a new monthly reimbursement process where school districts can apply for funding to cover costs incurred. The commissioner must set maximum per-service aid amounts based on historical data about service needs, eligible students, and costs to ensure funds are fully used by year-end. The bill removes previous requirements for districts to refund unspent funds and for the commissioner to reduce funding when appropriations fall short.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits pet shops in New Jersey from selling cats, dogs, or rabbits, repealing the previous "Pet Purchase Protection Act." It establishes a $500 fine for violations and allows pet shops to sell other animals or pet supplies, while enabling collaboration with shelters to showcase adoptable animals without exchanging payment. The bill defines "unfit for purchase" for animals and specifies that an animal's death within 14 days of sale (except by accident) would be considered evidence of being unfit. It also prohibits animal rescue organizations, shelters, and pounds from obtaining animals from breeders or brokers in exchange for compensation. The law does not affect pet dealers (not pet shops) or consumer rights for animals purchased from them.

Maddy summaryThis bill makes doxxing a crime in New Jersey by criminalizing the intentional disclosure of personal identifying information without consent, with the purpose of causing fear, violence, stalking, or mental anguish. The crime applies when such disclosure creates a substantial risk of serious bodily injury, stalking, or inflicts mental anguish that places the person or their "close relation" in reasonable fear of physical harm. The bill broadly defines "close relation" to include family members, household members, and significant personal or professional relationships. Exceptions exist for good-faith disclosures to the public about unlawful conduct or to law enforcement, with penalties ranging from up to 18 months in prison (fourth degree) to 3-5 years (third degree) if serious harm occurs.

Maddy summaryThe "John R. Lewis Voter Empowerment Act of New Jersey" requires all voting policies to be interpreted in ways that maximize voting access for all eligible voters, particularly members of racial, color, and language-minority groups. It prohibits voting practices that burden protected class members and mandates language assistance for limited English proficient voters. The bill creates a preclearance process for voting changes in jurisdictions with a history of voting rights violations and establishes the New Jersey Voting and Elections Institute to maintain public voting data. These provisions aim to ensure equitable access to voting and protect against voter suppression and vote dilution.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A4848) requires doctors and nurses to screen pregnant patients for lead exposure if they identify risk factors - such as living in older housing - based on CDC and medical guidelines. It mandates one lead screening per pregnancy for at-risk patients, with providers notifying patients of elevated lead levels and ensuring children under six in the household are screened. Patients can refuse testing in writing, and labs must report results to health departments within five business days. The law applies to all pregnant individuals in New Jersey receiving care from covered healthcare providers, aiming to prevent lead poisoning during pregnancy.