Asm. Lisa Swain

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes New Jersey's Deepfake Technology Unit within the Division of Criminal Justice to combat AI-generated deceptive media (deepfakes). The unit will provide law enforcement, prosecutors, and courts with technical expertise, training, and evidence analysis to detect and investigate deepfakes - defined as AI-manipulated videos, audio, or images that falsely depict people or events. It requires the unit to issue annual reports on detection methods, technological advances, and policy recommendations, and appropriates $2 million from the General Fund to cover operational costs. The unit directly supports state and local agencies in addressing a growing threat to public safety and legal integrity.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires law enforcement to seize ammunition and certain firearm components from individuals subject to domestic violence restraining orders or convicted of domestic violence offenses in New Jersey. The legislation directly affects people who have been legally restricted due to domestic violence charges or court orders by mandating the removal of their ammunition and specific firearm parts. Key provisions include expanding the definition of "firearm" to cover air guns and spring guns, clarifying definitions for terms like "destructive device" and "machine gun," and updating the legal framework for firearm regulations. The bill aims to enhance public safety by ensuring that individuals with domestic violence convictions or restraining orders cannot access ammunition or modify their firearms. This change is part of broader amendments to New Jersey's statutory law regarding domestic violence and firearms.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 3145) increases state aid to New Jersey municipalities from the Energy Tax Receipts Property Tax Relief Fund over five years to reverse previous aid cuts. It directly affects all municipalities by requiring them to reduce their annual property tax levies by the amount of the additional state aid received. Key provisions update how the fund's distributions are calculated and require that new aid amounts be subtracted from each municipality's local tax levy. The bill modifies existing laws (P.L.1997, c.167 and P.L.2007, c.62) to implement this adjustment. It does not change the total annual fund amount but ensures municipalities cannot increase their tax burden while receiving more state aid.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands New Jersey's legal definition of domestic violence to explicitly include psychological abuse and economic abuse. It adds two new categories to the existing definition: (1) psychological abuse that causes fear or distress impacting daily life, and (2) economic abuse that restricts a person's ability to access money, property, goods, or services. The change directly affects victims protected under the Prevention of Domestic Violence Act, broadening legal recourse for non-physical forms of control. The amendment applies to all individuals meeting the act's victim criteria, including those in dating relationships or with shared children.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the New Jersey Transit Corporation (NJT) to complete the Meadowlands Transitway project - a rapid transit system connecting Secaucus Junction Station to the Meadowlands Sports and Entertainment Complex - by May 1, 2026. By May 1, 2025, NJT must assess if the project will meet this deadline; if not, it must develop and publish a public transit plan by September 1, 2025 to address increased transit demand at the complex by the 2026 deadline. The bill explicitly excludes the existing BetMGM Meadowlands Rail Line (operating since 2009) from this requirement, focusing solely on the new transitway project.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands the requirement for landlords to provide receipts for cash rent payments to cover all residential landlords, removing previous exemptions for small-scale properties. It affects landlords renting single units or small multi-unit buildings (previously exempt if under two units or owner-occupied with three units), but excludes hotels, motels, and transient housing. The key change is broadening the definition of "landlord" to mandate written or emailed receipts showing payment details for all cash rent payments. This creates a uniform requirement for all residential rental agreements lasting at least one month, with penalties for noncompliance.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all over-the-counter and prescription drugs containing ingredients derived from common food allergens (like peanuts or shellfish) or gluten-containing grains (like wheat) to display clear, visible labels identifying those specific ingredients. It directly affects drug manufacturers and pharmacies by mandating this labeling on product packaging. The Department of Health will enforce the rule, with penalties of $500 for a first offense, $1,000 for a second, and $2,000 for subsequent violations. The goal is to help consumers with allergies or sensitivities safely identify and avoid potentially harmful ingredients in medications.

Maddy summaryThis bill provides a temporary tax credit for New Jersey residents who are either first-time homebuyers (purchasing a home in 2019, 2020, or 2021) or seniors aged 65+ during the tax year. Eligible taxpayers receive a credit equal to 25% of their property taxes paid on their primary home, capped at $2,500 per year. The credit reduces income tax liability, and any unused portion is refunded directly to the taxpayer. The credit applies only for tax years 2019 through 2021, offering short-term relief for qualifying homeowners.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Division of Highway Traffic Safety to launch a public awareness campaign about bicyclist and pedestrian safety. It directly affects the public, including cyclists, pedestrians, and motorists, by educating them on specific safety rules. The campaign must cover existing laws requiring cyclists to stay right on roads, safe passing distances for motorists (including for e-bikes and scooters), associated penalties, and dangers of violations. The goal is to inform people about current legal requirements and safety practices without changing existing laws.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows businesses registered with New Jersey's Division of Revenue to opt into receiving official business notices (like new rules or economic incentives) via email instead of paper mail. It applies to most business entities (corporations, nonprofits, etc.) that file registration documents, excluding government agencies. Businesses must still maintain physical mailing addresses for legal notices, and paper mail remains required where state law specifically mandates it. The Division of Revenue will collect email addresses and share them with relevant agencies (like Taxation and Economic Development) to enable electronic notifications.