Asm. Ellen Park

Maddy summaryThis bill (A5905) requires courts and law enforcement to notify the State Parole Board when a parolee violates a domestic violence restraining order. It amends New Jersey law to ensure the Domestic Violence Central Registry includes whether a person is on parole supervision, and mandates that the Parole Board check this registry when considering parole for inmates subject to domestic violence restraining orders. The bill also requires the Parole Board to notify the registry when a parolee's status begins or ends. These changes aim to improve communication between the justice system and parole authorities regarding domestic violence cases.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A5907) prohibits New Jersey law enforcement agencies and users of automated license plate readers (ALPRs) from sharing ALPR data with out-of-state agencies for investigations targeting legal reproductive health services in New Jersey. It specifically bans sharing such data to pursue civil or criminal liability related to services like pregnancy care, contraception, or abortion that are lawful in New Jersey. The bill requires out-of-state agencies to provide written confirmation they won’t use the data for these investigations before sharing is permitted. Violations carry civil penalties of up to $1,000 for a first offense or $5,000 for repeat offenses.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill requires health insurance plans and Medicaid programs to cover prescription drugs for specific serious mental illnesses without prior authorization or step therapy protocols. It defines "serious mental illness" to include conditions like bipolar disorder, major depression, schizophrenia, and other disorders listed in the latest Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. The legislation applies to all health insurance carriers in New Jersey, mandating coverage for these medications without utilization management barriers that often delay treatment. This would directly affect individuals with these mental health conditions who currently face insurance hurdles to accessing necessary medications.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A5455) changes the quorum requirement for New Jersey's Commission on Human Trafficking. Currently, the 17-member commission needs 9 members present to conduct business, but vacancies often prevent this. The bill authorizes the commission to exercise its powers and duties when a majority of its *current* members are present, rather than requiring a fixed 9-member quorum. This change aims to ensure the commission can function effectively despite staffing gaps. The commission evaluates trafficking laws, reviews victim services, and promotes awareness - key duties that were previously hindered by quorum issues.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires firearm manufacturers in New Jersey to obtain an annual license from the State Police Superintendent. It directly affects manufacturers (who must apply for and maintain licenses) and retailers (who cannot sell firearms from unlicensed manufacturers). The key mechanism is a licensing system with fees collected from manufacturers, which would fund the "RIFS Fund" to compensate victims of firearm injuries or their families. The bill does not specify fee amounts or exact compensation formulas but mandates that licensing revenue supports victims.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey trustees to end their role without court approval or beneficiary releases when a trust terminates or they cease serving. Trustees must provide beneficiaries with a detailed financial notice (including asset values and distribution plans) and give them 60 days to object. If no objections are received, the settlement is final, blocking future claims against the trustee for that period. It streamlines trust termination while requiring transparency through mandatory notice.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (S 1067) requires the state's Department of Human Services to conduct a landscape analysis of mental health services accessible to deaf and hard of hearing residents. It mandates that mental health services be provided in a client's primary communication method (like sign language or speech), delivered by professionals certified in that method and trained in culturally appropriate care for the deaf community. The bill also requires the creation of a resource guide listing providers meeting these standards and defines key terms like "culturally affirmative mental health services." It directly affects deaf and hard of hearing individuals seeking mental health care across New Jersey.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A3789) amends New Jersey law to expand accountability for firearms violations. It changes the standard for certain offenses from "knowingly" to include "recklessly" for violations of firearms regulatory provisions (e.g., manufacturing, selling, or transferring firearms). For licensed dealers, it strengthens requirements by adding "should have known" to the standard when selling firearms to someone who plans to transfer them to a disqualified person (e.g., someone banned from owning guns under state or federal law), making dealers liable for negligence. Violations now carry harsher penalties, including mandatory minimum prison terms (18 months to 3 years) and permanent loss of retail firearm licenses. The bill directly affects licensed firearms dealers and individuals who violate firearms transfer rules.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes new safety requirements for railroad operations in New Jersey. It requires at least two crew members on dangerous hazardous trains (transporting large quantities of hazardous materials) with specific exceptions, prohibits trains longer than 8,500 feet on main and branch lines, and mandates railroad companies to submit federally required bridge inspection reports to state officials. The bill also requires railroad companies to install and maintain wayside detector systems to identify defects, with oversight by the Board of Public Utilities and Department of Transportation. Violations of the train length limit could result in civil penalties of $500-$1,000 per foot exceeding the limit, up to $250,000 for gross negligence or repeated violations.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all public school staff in New Jersey to complete training on caring for students with epilepsy or seizure disorders every two years. It directly affects school staff (including teachers, coaches, and support personnel) and students with these conditions. The training, provided through Department of Health-approved courses by nonprofit organizations, covers recognizing seizures, emergency response, and daily care. This update builds on existing law (P.L.2019, c.290) that already requires schools to develop individualized health plans for affected students but adds the mandatory biennial staff training requirement. The law applies to all school-sponsored activities, including those outside regular school hours.