Asm. Ellen Park

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 5303) requires New Jersey's Attorney General to review and update the statewide policy for investigating human trafficking. It directs the AG to specifically consider: (1) using audio/video recordings in undercover operations to protect investigations and victims, (2) strict rules for sharing such recordings, (3) involving county prosecutors early in investigations, and (4) other relevant areas. The review responds to a 2024 Commission report on human trafficking in the massage industry. This policy update will affect law enforcement agencies conducting human trafficking investigations statewide.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires human trafficking awareness signs to be displayed in four languages - English, Spanish, Chinese, and Korean - instead of the current two (English and Spanish). It applies to businesses and facilities already mandated to display such signs, including strip clubs, massage businesses, airports, bars, hotels, and emergency rooms. The signs must meet specific size and font requirements (8.5x11 inches, 16-point font) and include the national human trafficking hotline information. The change follows a 2024 State Commission of Investigation report recommending expanded language accessibility for vulnerable communities. The law takes effect immediately.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires mental health services in New Jersey to be provided in a culturally affirming and linguistically appropriate manner for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. It mandates that services be delivered in the client's primary method of communication, as determined by the client's preference or a communication assessment, and that mental health professionals be certified as fluent in that method. The bill establishes a deaf services coordinator position within the Department of Human Services to oversee implementation, develop certification standards for professionals, and ensure access to services statewide, including through telemedicine in underserved areas. It also requires the development of a statewide system of care with specific standards for communication accessibility and cultural competence in mental health services.

Maddy summaryThis symbolic resolution (AR 178) condemns the U.S. House of Representatives for passing a budget resolution that would cut $1.5 trillion from the federal budget over ten years, specifically targeting healthcare (Medicaid/Medicare), education, and SNAP benefits. It urges the U.S. Senate to reject the House resolution, citing potential severe impacts on New Jersey residents who rely on these programs: approximately 1.8 million low- and moderate-income people use NJ FamilyCare (Medicaid/CHIP), and 830,000 receive SNAP food assistance. The resolution states that funding cuts could reduce federal Medicaid support by up to $5.2 billion and threaten SNAP benefits through eligibility restrictions or benefit limits. As a procedural resolution, it does not change laws but expresses New Jersey's opposition to the proposed cuts.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases penalties for retail theft offenses based on the value of stolen goods, with shoplifting over $500 becoming a third-degree crime. It creates a new offense for "fostering the sale of stolen property" (including online sales) and upgrades penalties for "leader of organized retail theft enterprise" to a first-degree crime. The bill establishes a retail theft unit within the Attorney General's office to investigate and prosecute organized retail theft, and includes new requirements for gift card retailers to prevent fraud through packaging standards and third-party reseller record-keeping. It also creates extended prison terms for repeat retail theft offenders and increases penalties for tax evasion related to retail theft.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A 5304) increases penalties for prostitution offenses and creates two new crimes: "leader of a prostitution network" and "participant in a prostitution network." It directly affects individuals who organize or manage prostitution operations (leaders) or actively take part in them (participants), not clients or sex workers themselves. Key provisions include mandatory minimum prison terms of 5 years or one-third to one-half of the sentence for these new offenses, while upgrading penalties for child prostitution and adding 6-month driving suspensions for repeat offenders using vehicles in prostitution. The law amends existing statutes to clarify definitions and strengthen criminal consequences for network-related activities.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends New Jersey's existing affordable housing preference program for veterans to include South Korean veterans who served as allies to the United States during the Vietnam conflict. It adds South Korean veterans who are New Jersey residents and have been declared to have a service-connected disability (for "disabled veteran" status) or simply served in the conflict (for "veteran" status) to the priority categories for affordable housing. Under the bill, homeless South Korean veterans would receive first priority, disabled South Korean veterans second priority, and family members who are primary residential caregivers to disabled South Korean veterans third priority. The Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs will determine eligibility for South Korean veterans seeking these housing preferences. This change applies to housing projects financed by the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency, public housing authorities, and other entities administering affordable housing programs in the state.

Maddy summaryACR 152 is a symbolic resolution passed by the New Jersey Assembly condemning President Trump's decision to revoke a federal policy that previously prohibited immigration enforcement actions in sensitive locations like schools, hospitals, places of worship, and healthcare facilities. It specifically references the Biden administration's 2021 policy expanding protections to these areas, which Trump's administration rescinded shortly after taking office. The resolution states this change creates fear among immigrant families, deterring them from accessing essential services like healthcare and education. As a concurrent resolution, it has no legal effect but formally expresses New Jersey's opposition to the policy change and reaffirms the state's support for equal access to services regardless of immigration status.

Maddy summaryAJR 63 designates January 13 of each year as Korean American Day in New Jersey to commemorate the arrival of the first Korean immigrants on January 13, 1903. The resolution requests the Governor to issue an annual proclamation encouraging state officials and citizens to observe the day with appropriate activities and programs. It recognizes Korean Americans' historical contributions to the U.S. economy, military service across multiple conflicts, and cultural achievements, including their role in strengthening U.S.-Korea relations. This is a commemorative resolution with no direct policy changes or financial impact.

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies that New Jersey's existing law requiring private career schools to have orderly closure plans - including a teach-out plan for student transfers - applies to cosmetology and hairstyling schools licensed by the New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling. It mandates the Board to develop a standard model teach-out plan by September 1, 2023, to help students transfer to another school if their program closes abruptly. The law applies retroactively to September 1, 2021, ensuring these schools must now comply with closure requirements for all closures occurring on or after that date.