Asm. Ellen Park

Maddy summaryThis bill repeals a law allowing New Jersey municipalities to charge up to $200 for applying to a public defender. It would eliminate the fee entirely, directly affecting individuals seeking public defense services who might otherwise face this financial barrier. Currently, courts could waive such fees, but this bill removes that authority by deleting the fee provision. The legislation aims to remove financial obstacles to accessing public defenders, aligning with the Sixth Amendment right to counsel.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 1784) requires owners of certain public spaces - like theaters, libraries, medical waiting areas, banks, restaurants, and grocery checkout zones - to install induction loop listening systems during new construction or substantial renovations costing over $40,000. These systems wirelessly transmit sound to hearing aids and cochlear implants with telecoil features, reducing background noise for people with hearing loss. Owners must also display permanent signage indicating the system’s availability and submit biennial self-certifications confirming it remains functional. Exceptions apply if a building code agency determines installation would be impractical, based on the owner’s request during permit applications.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a grant program to support scientific conferences hosted by New Jersey's institutions of higher education. It appropriates $250,000 from the General Fund to cover costs like event space rentals, speaker fees, travel, and lodging for these events. Grants cannot be used for food or unrelated vendor expenses. Institutions must apply with conference details, speaker credentials, and cost information to receive funding. The program becomes effective immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits short-term rentals (like Airbnb) in exclusively residential zones unless a municipality specifically authorizes them. It directly affects property owners in residential neighborhoods and gives local governments authority to regulate such rentals through zoning. Municipalities can allow short-term rentals on up to 25% of their land area, but cannot permit them in zones zoned solely for long-term residential use. The law defines "transient accommodations" to exclude hotels, dorms, and leases longer than 90 days, while requiring rentals through platforms like Airbnb to comply with local rules. It aims to preserve housing supply and affordability by limiting short-term conversions of residential units.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A1378) creates a new apprenticeship pathway for individuals seeking licensure as manicurists in New Jersey, directly affecting aspiring nail care professionals. It amends existing cosmetology licensing laws to allow applicants to meet education requirements through on-the-job training under a licensed supervisor, instead of completing a formal cosmetology program. The key provision establishes that apprenticeship hours can count toward the total training needed for licensure, with supervision by a licensed manicurist or cosmetologist. This change aims to provide a more accessible route to licensure while maintaining safety standards for nail care services. The bill does not alter the scope of practice for manicurists, which remains focused on nail care (manicuring, pedicuring, and nail sculpting).

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes minimum nurse-to-patient staffing ratios for hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, and specific state facilities (like psychiatric hospitals and developmental centers) in New Jersey. It requires facilities to maintain specific ratios, such as 1 nurse for every 5 patients on medical/surgical units and 1 nurse for every 2 patients in critical care units. The law aims to improve patient safety and reduce errors by ensuring adequate nursing coverage based on patient acuity, while requiring facilities to use acuity-based staffing systems to adjust for changing patient needs. These requirements apply to all direct-care registered nurses providing patient services, not administrative staff.

Maddy summaryThis bill, now enacted as P.L.2025, c.202, prohibits the intentional addition of PFAS (forever chemicals) to most cosmetics sold in New Jersey starting two years after its effective date. It requires cookware manufacturers containing PFAS to notify consumers about their presence. The law directly affects cosmetics and cookware manufacturers, while protecting residents by reducing exposure to PFAS linked to health risks. Key mechanisms include specific product bans, disclosure requirements, and funding for PFAS research and remediation programs. The bill does not apply to trace PFAS from manufacturing impurities or products with PFAS only in internal components.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A2279) requires New Jersey county prosecutors to collect and report data on all firearm-related incidents where no physical harm occurred. Prosecutors must submit specific details - including location, time, charges, and whether the firearm was used lawfully - for every such incident, regardless of case outcome. They would provide this data quarterly for three years to the Attorney General, who would then compile and publish a public report on the Department of Law's website. The law aims to create standardized data on non-injury shootings, which currently lack consistent reporting. (Note: The bill was withdrawn after being superseded by P.L.2025, c.365.)

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A2303) clarifies that consent to being photographed, filmed, or recorded in an intimate or sexual context does not automatically allow the disclosure of those images. It requires separate, explicit consent for image disclosure - meaning a person’s permission to take a photo isn’t considered consent to share it. The law directly affects individuals in private settings (like dressing rooms) and anyone who might share such images without clear, separate permission. The key change prevents implied consent for disclosure, making it a distinct offense to share images without fresh, specific authorization.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all New Jersey public schools and nonpublic schools receiving federal funding to post specific information on their websites. Schools must clearly state students' rights under Title IX, provide the Title IX coordinator's contact details (including phone and email), and explain how to file complaints - including statute of limitations and investigation procedures. The Commissioner of Education must also send annual reminders to schools about these requirements. The law applies immediately to schools subject to Title IX regulations.