Asm. Ellen Park

Maddy summaryThis bill expands New Jersey's existing employer reporting requirements to include ride-sharing, delivery, and other technology platforms that contract with workers for pay. It requires these entities to report worker details (name, address, date of birth, Social Security number) and their own business information to the state within 20 days of hiring or rehiring, or every 15 days if reporting electronically. Failure to comply results in civil penalties of up to $25 per violation, or $500 for intentional false reporting. The law applies to all employers and contractors paying workers in New Jersey, including those using Form 1099 for compensation.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a $100,000 grant program for New Jersey municipalities to promote local innovation achievements through street pole banners. Local governments must apply with specific plans for banners highlighting bioscience, telecommunications, clean energy, or other tech fields in their area. The state will select nine municipalities (three per region, with urban/suburban/rural representation) to receive grants for developing and installing these banners. Participating towns must report on banner installations and impacts within a year, and the state will compile results to assess potential statewide expansion.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits prosecutors from offering negotiated plea agreements that reduce prison time or fines for burglary convictions when a firearm was involved. It directly affects defendants charged with burglary who used a firearm during the crime, requiring them to face the full second-degree penalty rather than a reduced sentence through plea bargaining. The law amends New Jersey's burglary statute to specify that such plea agreements are ineligible if the defendant was "armed with or displays what appears to be explosives or a deadly weapon" during the offense. The bill defines "firearm" broadly to include handguns, rifles, shotguns, and certain air guns, but does not change the underlying burglary charges or penalties.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey bill A 1353 criminalizes "stealthing" by making it a third-degree crime to deliberately remove, tamper with, or use a damaged condom during sexual activity without a partner's consent. The law directly affects individuals engaging in sexual activity where consent is required, targeting actions that violate a partner's autonomy. Key provisions define the crime as occurring when someone knowingly acts without consent before or during sexual penetration involving condom tampering. Penalties include up to five years in prison or a $15,000 fine. This bill mirrors similar legislation in California (AB1033) but focuses on New Jersey's specific legal framework.

Maddy summaryAJR 49 designates May 1 of each year as "Rule of Law Day" in New Jersey, symbolically recognizing the importance of the rule of law. The resolution requests the Governor issue an annual proclamation encouraging New Jersey residents and officials to reflect on protecting constitutional principles and democratic norms. This is a non-binding, symbolic observance with no new legal requirements or direct impact on policy or affected individuals.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 1389) upgrades assaults against youth sports officials to aggravated assault under New Jersey law. It directly affects anyone who assaults referees, umpires, coaches, athletic trainers, or similar officials at school- or community-sponsored youth sports events, provided the official was clearly identifiable in their role (e.g., wearing a uniform). The key mechanism adds "sports official" to the list of protected individuals under aggravated assault, meaning such assaults will now carry higher penalties than simple assault. The bill applies only to youth sports events and requires the official to be visibly identifiable during the incident.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey's domestic violence restraining order procedures to strengthen protections for victims. It requires courts to hold hearings within 10 days, apply a standard where the victim must show abuse is more likely than not, and consider factors like past abuse and immediate safety risks. The bill mandates that restraining orders prohibit defendants from possessing firearms and require immediate surrender of weapons, while also allowing courts to order monetary compensation for victims' losses - including counseling costs, property damage, and other expenses. These changes directly affect victims and defendants in domestic violence cases by clarifying court procedures and enhancing safety measures.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A 1358) requires social media platforms to conduct Data Protection Impact Assessments before launching features likely to be accessed by children under 18. It mandates platforms to set high-default privacy settings, document risks to children, and provide clear, age-appropriate privacy information. The law also establishes a New Jersey Children’s Data Protection Commission to oversee compliance. Social media companies operating in New Jersey must implement these measures for any child-accessible features, including tools for children or parents to report concerns.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A1410) establishes new rules for New Jersey state agencies when purchasing firearms, ammunition, or firearm accessories. It requires businesses bidding on state contracts to certify they don’t sell unserialized gun kits or firearm precursor parts, disclose past inspection violations, and provide annual documentation on trace requests, thefts, and compliance with firearm laws. State agencies must reject bids or cancel contracts from non-compliant businesses and develop processes to assess safety practices like preventing straw sales or prohibited transfers. The bill applies only to state procurement contracts and is pending legislative action (introduced January 2026).

Maddy summary"Sebastien's Law" requires landlords and homeowners' associations in New Jersey to install and maintain child-protection window guards in dwelling units or common areas where children under 10 reside or regularly stay. It applies to most multi-unit buildings (excluding seasonal rentals and certain first-floor/fire-escape windows) and mandates annual safety orientations for tenants. Landlords must provide written notice to homeowners' associations about tenant requests for common-area guards, and tenants may waive the requirement but can later rescind the waiver without lease consequences. The law also requires semi-annual inspections of installed guards to ensure safety compliance.