Asm. Ellen Park

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Economic Development Authority (EDA) to add social media development services to its existing Small Business E-commerce Support Program. The program currently offers digital marketing and e-commerce consulting to eligible small businesses (like restaurants, retail stores, and personal care businesses in commercial locations). The bill mandates that EDA include social media platform development assistance alongside current services such as website creation and digital marketing planning. This change applies only to the current pilot program under the Main Street Recovery Finance Program, not future initiatives. The policy directly affects small businesses seeking digital support through this state-funded program.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Office of Information Technology to create a centralized online hub called "Go NJ" that integrates multiple state government websites and services into a single platform. It directly affects the Office of Information Technology (which must build the hub) and state agencies (whose websites will be integrated), while benefiting individuals, businesses, and organizations seeking state services. Key provisions mandate the hub to centralize access to information on business permits, tax forms, environmental regulations, grants, and other services, with design requirements for mobile/desktop use and accessibility for users of all technical skill levels. The bill does not impose new rules on state agencies but requires their existing online resources to be consolidated under this unified portal.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the New Jersey Out-of-School Time Advisory Commission to review before-school, after-school, and summer programs statewide. The 20-member commission includes state agency leaders, legislative appointees, and representatives from child care organizations, educators, and researchers. Its key duties are to assess current programs, develop statewide standards, examine funding sources, and evaluate program quality across urban, suburban, and rural areas. The commission must submit an interim report within one year and a final report within two years, after which it will expire. The bill directly affects all organizations providing out-of-school time programs in New Jersey by setting a framework for their review and improvement.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Board of Public Utilities (BPU) and Environmental Department to conduct a study of wave and tidal energy potential after completing a pilot project. Within 15 months of the pilot's completion, they must submit a report with specific generation targets (in megawatts) for wave and tidal energy by 2030, 2040, and 2050. The report will guide updates to the state's Energy Master Plan to incorporate these goals, alongside exploring incentives like renewable energy credits. The legislation aims to position New Jersey as a national leader in ocean energy development while advancing the state's clean energy targets.

Maddy summaryAJR 62 designates the first week of May each year as "Children's Mental Health Awareness Week" in New Jersey. The resolution requests the Governor issue an annual proclamation encouraging public officials and residents to observe the week with activities promoting awareness of children's mental health. It aims to reduce stigma and improve access to treatment for children with mental health disorders, as highlighted in the bill's rationale about their vulnerability to school suspensions, substance use, and justice system involvement. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic annual observance.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new process for handling court cases involving property owned by multiple people, specifically when at least one owner inherited the property from a relative. It establishes a special master to determine the property's fair market value, gives other owners the opportunity to buy out those who want to sell, and provides guidelines for when property should be divided physically or sold. The process applies to properties where no agreement exists about division, at least one owner acquired title from a relative, and 20% or more of interests are held by relatives or acquired from relatives. The bill aims to provide a more equitable resolution than the current system by considering factors like sentimental value and practical division. The new process would apply to all such cases filed 30 days after the bill becomes law.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires new flooring installed in schools (K-12) and licensed childcare centers to be certified as mercury-free by the manufacturer before a construction permit can be issued. For renovations involving existing flooring, applicants must either provide certification that current flooring is mercury-free (pending health department rules) or confirm it will be removed before new flooring is installed. Manufacturers falsely claiming mercury-free flooring face civil penalties of $10,000 for a first offense and $25,000 for repeat violations. The bill directly affects construction projects in these facilities and establishes a process for health department certification of mercury-free flooring.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits creditors from reviving consumer debt claims that have passed the six-year statute of limitations, even if the debtor later makes a payment, acknowledges the debt, or promises to pay. It directly affects individuals who owe personal, family, or household debts - including medical and standard consumer credit - and creditors attempting to collect on expired claims. The law explicitly states that subsequent actions by debtors (like partial payments or written acknowledgments) after the six-year period ends cannot extend the time to file a lawsuit. The bill applies immediately to all consumer debt claims filed on or after its effective date, aligning with New Jersey's existing six-year limit for such cases.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all New Jersey firefighters and emergency medical technicians (EMTs) to complete specialized training on electric vehicle (EV) fire safety. The training, to be developed by state agencies including the Division of Fire Safety and the Commissioner of Health, covers risks like lithium-ion battery fires that burn hotter and longer than gasoline fires. Firefighters must finish the training within 36 months of the law's effective date, and EMTs must complete it before certification or within the same timeframe if already certified. The law aims to ensure first responders are prepared for the growing number of electric vehicles on New Jersey roads.

Maddy summaryThis bill repeals a 1995 law that restricted how New Jersey public colleges could charge students for fees related to legislative advocacy. The repealed law prohibited mandatory tuition fees for student groups engaging in legislative activity but allowed optional fees with specific disclosures (e.g., stating the fee isn’t mandatory and isn’t endorsed by the college). The repeal removes these disclosure requirements and restrictions, allowing public colleges to handle such fees without mandated statements. It directly affects public universities and student organizations seeking to fund nonpartisan legislative advocacy efforts.