Asm. Ellen Park

Maddy summaryThis bill allows courts to order wireless phone service providers to transfer billing responsibility and ownership of a phone number to victims of domestic violence or stalking who have obtained a final restraining order. The court issues a separate order to the provider, specifying the victim's details and ensuring their contact information remains confidential from the abuser. After the transfer, the victim assumes all ongoing costs for the phone number and associated devices, though providers may require standard account setup documentation. If a provider cannot complete the transfer due to technical issues, they must notify both the victim and court within 72 hours.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires law enforcement to seize ammunition and specific firearm components (such as detachable magazines, slides, barrels, and other parts essential to firearm operation) when a domestic violence restraining order is issued or following a domestic violence conviction. It expands current law, which only required seizure of firearms, to include these additional items that could be used with firearms. The bill defines "firearm accessory" as devices that attach to or facilitate firearm operation (like stocks or grips) and "firearm component" as parts material to a firearm's function. This applies to individuals subject to domestic violence restraining orders or convicted of domestic violence offenses in New Jersey.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires retail gun dealers to report to the State Police when a background check denies a firearm or ammunition purchase due to the buyer being a prohibited person (e.g., convicted of certain crimes or domestic violence offenses). Local law enforcement chiefs are then notified if a denied purchase occurs in their municipality, allowing them to address potential safety concerns. It applies directly to gun dealers conducting sales, local police departments, and individuals barred from firearm ownership under existing law. The key mechanism is mandating this notification process to improve communication between state and local law enforcement regarding denied transactions.

Maddy summaryThe "Firearm and Ammunition Procurement Act" sets new requirements for New Jersey state agencies when purchasing firearms, ammunition, or firearm accessories. It mandates that businesses bidding on state contracts certify they do not sell unserialized gun kits or parts that can be used to build firearms (like unfinished frames), disclose any past inspection violations, and provide annual documentation on safety practices, including trace requests and theft reports. State agencies must reject non-compliant bids and cannot make emergency purchases of these items. The bill also requires agencies to develop compliance processes with the Attorney General, focusing on preventing straw sales, sales to prohibited individuals, and ensuring employee training. These rules apply to all future state contracts for these products.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A5262) codifies the U.S. Supreme Court standard from *New York Times Co. v. Sullivan* (1964) for defamation lawsuits involving public officials. It requires public officials to prove a defendant acted with "actual malice" - knowing a statement was false or showing reckless disregard for its truth - to win a defamation suit about their official conduct. Truth of the statement is established as an absolute defense, preventing recovery. The law directly affects public officials (elected or appointed to government roles) who file such lawsuits in New Jersey, raising the legal bar for them to obtain damages.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates May 1 of each year as "Rule of Law Day" in New Jersey. It asks the Governor to issue an annual proclamation encouraging New Jersey residents, public officials, and groups to reflect on protecting the rule of law and rejecting violations of constitutional principles. The resolution does not create new laws or affect specific programs; it is a symbolic observance. New Jersey residents will be invited to participate in activities honoring the principle that all individuals and officials are subject to the law. The measure takes effect immediately upon adoption.

Maddy summaryThis bill eliminates the ability of New Jersey municipalities to charge application fees for public defender services. Currently, towns may impose fees up to $200 when people apply for a public defender, though courts can waive fees deemed excessive. The bill repeals the law permitting these fees (N.J.S.A. 2B:24-17), removing a potential financial barrier to accessing legal representation. It directly affects low-income individuals facing criminal charges who rely on public defender services.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A1825) establishes guidelines for health insurance plans regarding "step therapy" protocols, which require patients to try lower-cost medications before coverage is provided for a preferred medication selected by their doctor. It requires insurers to base these protocols on clinical guidelines developed by expert panels with conflict-of-interest safeguards, and creates a clear process for patients to request exceptions when step therapy would be harmful or ineffective. Insurers must grant or deny exception requests within 72 hours (24 hours in emergencies), and must report on exception requests and outcomes to the state insurance commissioner. This affects all health insurance carriers in New Jersey, including those offering SHBP, SEHBP, and Medicaid plans, as well as the patients and healthcare providers who use these plans.

Maddy summaryThe "Packaging Product Stewardship Act" requires producers of packaging products in New Jersey to reduce waste through specific targets: a 25% reduction in single-use packaging by 2032 (with at least 10% coming from reusable alternatives or plastic elimination), all packaging must be compostable or recyclable by 2034, and a 65% recycling rate by 2036. Producers can join a Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO) to collectively meet these requirements or comply individually, with PROs required to develop detailed stewardship plans funded through fees proportional to packaging volume and environmental impact. Annual surcharges on producers will fund a "Packaging Reduction and Recycling Fund" (up to $120 million total) to improve recycling infrastructure. The bill establishes an Office of Plastics and Packaging Management within the Department of Environmental Protection to oversee implementation and enforcement.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Attorney General to study how state and local police departments use facial recognition technology and issue a report with recommendations within six months. The report must assess the technology's accuracy, summarize current police use (including generating reports), and propose statewide policies for law enforcement. It directly affects all law enforcement agencies by setting a process for evaluating this technology before potential policy changes. The bill defines "facial recognition technology" as software that identifies people from digital images or video frames. It does not change current law but mandates a formal review to inform future decisions.