Asm. Bob Auth

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a "reasonableness standard" for individuals lawfully transporting firearms under existing exemptions (such as police officers, security personnel, or others permitted to carry firearms for specific duties) when they deviate from their intended travel route. It requires that any deviation must be reasonable and necessary, such as for an emergency stop or legitimate purpose, rather than arbitrary. The standard applies to all current exemptions in New Jersey law and does not change who is permitted to carry firearms for their job. The bill clarifies when a detour during lawful firearm transport remains compliant with state law.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 3768) creates a new offense for sending unsolicited nude images or sexual content via electronic means without the recipient's consent. It establishes a disorderly persons offense (up to 6 months jail or $1,000 fine) for sending such material without consent, and elevates this to a fourth-degree crime (up to 18 months jail or $10,000 fine) if the sender knows the recipient is a child under 13 or someone with a mental disability unable to understand the sexual nature of the content. The law directly affects individuals who send unsolicited explicit images electronically, expanding existing lewdness statutes to cover digital transmission. Key provisions require that the recipient did not request or consent to the material, with stricter penalties for vulnerable recipients.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey Assembly Bill A-2578 creates an independent Office of the Economic Development Inspector General (EDIG) within the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (EDA). The EDIG will investigate fraud, waste, or abuse in the EDA’s economic development incentive programs, which provide financial benefits like tax credits, grants, and loans to businesses and developers to stimulate local economic growth. The Inspector General, appointed by the Governor, has authority to subpoena documents, interview staff, and recommend disciplinary actions, while reporting annually to the Governor, Legislature, and Attorney General. This oversight office operates separately from EDA leadership to ensure accountability in how state incentive funds are distributed and managed.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits New Jersey colleges and universities from requiring students to get a COVID-19 vaccine or show proof of vaccination to enroll, attend classes, or join institution-sponsored programs. It directly affects all students at higher education institutions within the state. The law takes immediate effect upon enactment. The key provision bans vaccine requirements as a condition for enrollment, course attendance, or program participation.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 538, "Pharmaceutical Representative Licensing Act") requires all individuals marketing pharmaceuticals to healthcare practitioners in New Jersey to obtain a state license. It directly affects pharmaceutical sales representatives, who must meet education, ethics, and background requirements, complete biennial continuing education (including opioid safety training), and report all interactions with doctors - including promoted drugs, samples given, and gifts provided. The State Board of Medical Examiners will oversee licensing, enforce standards (like banning deceptive marketing or false medical credentials), and may suspend licenses for violations. The bill aims to increase transparency and professionalism in pharmaceutical sales interactions.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) to create and distribute special blue envelopes for individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. The envelopes must be easily recognizable to law enforcement, hold a driver's license, vehicle registration, and insurance card, and include written information identifying the holder's diagnosis plus communication guidance for officers. To obtain an envelope, individuals or their caregivers must provide specified documentation. The bill mandates MVC to develop this system in consultation with human services, state police, and autism advocacy groups, with implementation beginning 12 months after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands New Jersey school district policies to allow graduating high school students who are active military members or have enlisted to wear a military sash or stole (issued by their service branch) during graduation ceremonies, in addition to the existing allowance for military dress uniforms. It directly affects students who have met all diploma requirements and are eligible to participate in graduation, specifically those affiliated with the U.S. Armed Forces. The key provision amends existing law to include sashes and stoles - worn over graduation robes - as permitted attire, while maintaining the requirement that students must be active members who completed basic training. The bill does not change eligibility requirements but broadens the types of military-issued items students may display.

Maddy summaryThis bill allocates $7.5 million annually from existing constitutionally dedicated CBT revenue to create a new "Preserve New Jersey Highlands Preservation Fund." The funds will be used by the Highlands Water Protection and Planning Council to acquire land in the Highlands Region for recreation, conservation, farmland preservation, and as a state match for federal conservation grants. Specifically, $5 million comes from the Green Acres Fund and $2.5 million from the Farmland Preservation Fund. The bill establishes clear spending rules, requiring project-specific appropriations and annual reporting on land preserved and federal funds leveraged.

Maddy summaryThis resolution urges the U.S. President and FCC to investigate NBC for potentially violating FCC rules requiring equal broadcast time for political candidates. It specifically cites NBC's November 2, 2024, SNL skit featuring presidential candidate Kamala Harris without comparable airtime for opposing candidate Donald Trump that night. The resolution states that FCC rules mandate equal opportunity for all qualified candidates, and NBC’s subsequent last-minute airtime for Trump during sports coverage may not satisfy this requirement. If a violation is found, the resolution calls for the FCC to suspend NBC’s broadcasting license. This is a procedural resolution, not a law, and does not alter existing FCC rules.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 1850) sets a flat 5.9% tax rate on New Jersey gross income above $37,500 for single filers or $75,000 for married couples filing jointly, while exempting all income below those thresholds from taxation. It directly affects New Jersey residents whose taxable income exceeds these filing-status-specific limits. The key provision replaces previous tiered tax brackets with a single flat rate for income above the exemption thresholds. This change simplifies the tax structure for higher earners while maintaining tax exemption for lower-income taxpayers. The bill was introduced in 2026 and referred to the Assembly Commerce and Economic Development Committee.