Rep. Gary Schaer

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A-598) ensures victims of sexual assault have the right to a rape care advocate during medical and legal processes. It requires law enforcement officers and medical providers to immediately notify designated rape crisis centers (county organizations under state contract) whenever a sexual offense is reported. Victims must be informed of their right to have an advocate present and consult with them before and during medical exams, police interviews, and legal proceedings. The bill directly affects all sexual assault victims 12+ in New Jersey, establishing clear notification protocols to support their access to counseling and advocacy.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires landlords of properties used for child care services (like daycares caring for 6+ children under 13) to install and maintain NSF/ANSI-certified water filters at all fixtures used for drinking, food, or baby formula if they refuse to allow public water systems to replace lead service lines. Landlords must certify annual filter compliance to the Department of Environmental Protection and face civil penalties of up to $500 per day for violations. The requirement applies until lead lines are replaced and for six months afterward, with tenants able to seek court-ordered rent escrow if landlords fail to act. The bill targets lead exposure risks in child care settings where landlords block infrastructure upgrades.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill prohibits most retail stores from adding extra fees (surcharges) to credit card purchases. It directly affects retail businesses that sell goods or services to consumers, banning them from charging more for credit card use compared to cash or check payments. The exception allows gas stations to charge different prices for cash vs. credit, as long as prices cover costs and expenses. Violations are treated as consumer fraud, with penalties up to $20,000 per offense and potential fines or court-ordered damages.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires landlords receiving state rental assistance to maintain compliance with New Jersey's housing standards and promptly fix violations. The Department of Community Affairs must use a statewide electronic database of rental property inspections to verify landlords' compliance and may end rental assistance for units failing inspections, unless this would cause unnecessary hardship to tenants. It also mandates that New Jersey courts can access this inspection database during eviction cases or related proceedings. The changes apply directly to landlords participating in New Jersey's State Rental Assistance Program (S-RAP) and the Department of Community Affairs.

Maddy summaryBill A 3112 requires public water systems in New Jersey to send written notices to customers within 30 days if PFAS (certain chemicals in drinking water) levels exceed safety limits. Notices must explain health risks, link to a state educational program, and include details about contamination status. Landlords must distribute these notices to tenants within three business days and post them prominently in rental properties. The bill also mandates annual website updates from water systems with mitigation progress until contamination is resolved.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's bill A 599 requires commercial liability insurance policies for contractors and construction professionals to explicitly define "occurrence" to include property damage from faulty workmanship. This affects builders, remodelers, and construction companies who purchase such insurance for projects. The policy must clearly cover damage caused by poor work as part of "occurrence" - resolving past court disputes over whether such damage qualified for coverage. Policies cannot be delivered, issued, or renewed in New Jersey after the 90-day effective date without this definition.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires construction employers in New Jersey to clearly display and provide written notice to all employees about their workplace rights, including unemployment benefits, minimum wage, overtime pay, and protections against retaliation under the existing Construction Industry Independent Contractor Act (P.L.2007, c.114). Employers must post the notice in accessible locations and provide written copies at hiring or upon request, in English, Spanish, and other languages needed based on the workforce. Employers who fail to comply face civil penalties of up to $1,500 for a first violation and $5,000 for repeat violations within five years. The notice must also include contact details for filing complaints with the Labor Department about rights violations.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all New Jersey state, county, and private correctional facilities - including juvenile facilities - to provide free voice calls, video calls, and email services to incarcerated adults and juveniles. It prohibits facilities from charging inmates or their families any fees (including per-minute charges, surcharges, or account fees), ensuring both parties to communications bear no cost. The law also mandates that facilities maintain current service access levels and transfer any remaining prepaid funds to inmates' commissary accounts. The bill appropriates state funds for implementation and takes effect six months after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes New Jersey's "College Ready Students Program," providing tuition-free dual enrollment courses at county colleges for eligible public high school students in grades 11 and 12. To qualify, students must meet financial need criteria similar to the state's Educational Opportunity Fund and maintain a college readiness GPA, with a limit of 3 tuition-free credits per semester (6 annually). The state covers all tuition costs, and students must earn a C or higher in courses to continue in the program. The Commissioner of Education must annually report participation rates, course completions, and outcomes to the legislature.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey adoption agencies, courts, and child welfare placements to prioritize placing children in homes matching their religious faith "to the maximum extent practicable," unless the child's birth parent or legal guardian provides written consent to a different placement. If a child is placed in a home of a different faith, the agency or court must document the reasons for the placement and ensure the child can attend religious services, receive faith-based instruction, and observe their faith - unless the birth parent or guardian explicitly requests otherwise in writing. It directly affects children in foster care or adoption, adoption agencies, courts making placement decisions, and birth parents/guardians. The bill amends existing statutes to formalize these religious consideration requirements across adoption, foster care, and resource family home placements.