Asm. Ellen Park

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits employment contracts from including non-disclosure or non-disparagement clauses related to claims of discrimination, retaliation, or harassment. It makes such clauses unenforceable against employees and requires settlement agreements to include a clear notice stating these confidentiality terms cannot be enforced if an employee publicly discloses details identifying the employer. The bill specifically affects employees who experience workplace discrimination by preventing employers from silencing them through contract terms. It also removes an existing exception allowing these clauses in collective bargaining agreements, while permitting mediation/arbitration clauses in such agreements for discrimination claims.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits any new construction exceeding 35 feet in height within a specific zone along the Hudson River Palisades cliffs, affecting developers and municipalities in Bergen and Hudson counties. It requires towns to block all zoning changes, building permits, or variances allowing taller structures and applies retroactively to projects without completed foundations by May 1, 2014. The policy aims to protect the scenic views of the Palisades, designated as a National Historic Landmark and National Natural Landmark, by preserving the area's unspoiled natural landscape.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) to establish an electronic system for salvage processors to submit applications for salvage certificates of title. Salvage processors, which are businesses that handle totaled vehicles on behalf of insurance companies, would be able to electronically submit applications, supporting documents, and fees through this system. The MVC would also need to allow these processors to print salvage certificates of title at their facilities. This change replaces the current paper-based process for obtaining salvage certificates of title. The bill aims to streamline the process for salvage processors while ensuring proper documentation.

Maddy summaryThis bill would enter New Jersey into the Counseling Compact, an agreement allowing licensed professional counselors from New Jersey to practice in other member states without obtaining multiple licenses. The compact establishes a national commission to manage the agreement, share disciplinary information between states, and ensure counselors follow the laws of the state where their client is located. It would particularly benefit military personnel and their spouses who relocate frequently between states, as well as improve access to counseling services across state lines. Currently, 16 states have joined this compact, and New Jersey's participation would allow its licensed counselors to provide services in those states through a single license.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires owners or operators of "high hazard trains" (those transporting 200,000+ gallons of petroleum or 20,000+ gallons of other hazardous substances) to submit detailed discharge response, cleanup, and contingency plans to New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection within six months. The plans must include emergency response measures, equipment inventories, personnel qualifications, environmental protection strategies for sensitive areas, and annual emergency response drills. Owners/operators must also provide training to local emergency personnel and maintain evidence of financial responsibility for cleanup costs. The bill establishes civil penalties up to $25,000 per day for violations and requires the Department of Environmental Protection to annually request bridge inspection reports from the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a licensing framework for digital asset businesses in New Jersey, requiring businesses engaging in activities like buying, selling, storing, or exchanging digital assets to obtain a license from the Bureau of Securities. It defines "digital asset" to exclude securities but includes virtual currency and digital consumer assets, while exempting certain activities like digital assets used within gaming platforms or prepaid cards. Businesses must disclose risks to consumers, maintain compliance policies, and face $500 per day penalties for operating without a license. The bill also creates a Digital Asset Enforcement Fund to support regulatory oversight and establishes requirements for application processes, background checks, and annual renewals.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A648) requires all New Jersey public school districts to include water safety instruction in health education for students in grades K-12, beginning with the 2018-2019 school year. The instruction must cover four key topics: proper use of flotation devices, recognizing water conditions, responding to rip currents, and swimming near lifeguard-monitored areas. It directly affects every public school district and K-12 student in New Jersey by mandating this curriculum as part of existing health education standards. The law takes immediate effect upon enactment.

Maddy summaryAssembly Resolution 62, introduced by New Jersey Assemblywomen Ellen J. Park and Shama A. Haider, urges the U.S. Congress to adopt the Freedom to Vote Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act. The resolution cites recent state-level voting restrictions - such as photo ID requirements and reduced mail-in ballot access - as evidence of the need for federal action to strengthen voting rights protections. It will be formally transmitted to all New Jersey members of Congress and congressional leadership, emphasizing the importance of voting rights following the January 6, 2021, Capitol insurrection and record voter turnout in New Jersey's 2020 election.

Maddy summaryThis bill exempts New Jersey veterans who are permanently 100% disabled (as certified by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs) from paying motor vehicle registration fees for one passenger vehicle. It directly affects eligible disabled veterans who own a vehicle not used for hire. The law requires the Adjutant General and the Motor Vehicle Commission to notify these veterans about the fee exemption. The exemption applies to vehicles registered in the veteran's name and does not cover commercial vehicles. The bill amends existing law to update eligibility criteria and add the notification requirement.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A668) requires New Jersey's Commissioner of Education to create a water safety fact sheet for schools. The fact sheet must include practical tips for parents to prevent child drowning, highlight the importance of swimming lessons, and list free/reduced-cost water safety courses by county. Public school districts must distribute this fact sheet to parents when a child is first enrolled, while nonpublic schools are encouraged but not required to do the same. It directly affects parents of newly enrolled students in New Jersey schools and aims to improve access to water safety resources.