Asm. Bob Auth

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A4417) prohibits displaying or flying flags of organizations designated as terrorist groups by the U.S. Department of State on any state-owned or leased property. It directly affects state agencies, schools, hospitals, parks, and other government facilities that use state property. Violating this rule results in immediate loss of state funding, with penalties determined by the Secretary of State and Budget Director. The ban does not apply to flags displayed for news, theater, historical, or educational purposes.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits New Jersey colleges and universities from creating scholarship programs limited to students who are citizens or permanent residents of countries or territories controlled by terrorist organizations designated by the U.S. Secretary of State. It directly affects all public and private institutions of higher education in New Jersey by banning such restricted funding programs. Violations would result in loss of state operating aid, state bond proceeds, and state student financial aid funds distributed through the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority. The bill was introduced in response to a specific incident at Rutgers University where student demands included accepting Gazan students on scholarships. The policy change focuses on ensuring state-funded educational programs remain open to all eligible students without geographic restrictions tied to terrorism designations.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits New Jersey public and private colleges and universities from receiving state funding if they boycott or divest from Israel-supporting businesses or Israeli businesses. Specifically, institutions that engage in actions defined as boycotting Israeli goods/entities, divesting due to a company’s support of Israel (including through "in-kind" or for-profit ties), or participating in the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement would lose access to state operating aid, education facility bonds, general obligation bonds, and state student scholarship funds. The bill explicitly excludes divestment for "prudent economic reasons," such as financial risk management. It applies to all parts of an institution, including endowments and departments, and defines key terms like "boycott" and "divestment" in plain language. The law takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a rebuttable presumption of pretrial detention for defendants charged with sexual assault or criminal sexual contact involving a minor, or endangering the welfare of a child. Under this law, if a prosecutor seeks pretrial detention for these specific offenses, the court must order detention unless the defendant provides evidence (by a preponderance of the evidence) showing they are not a flight risk or danger to the community. The defendant is entitled to a hearing to challenge the presumption, but the burden of proof falls on them to overcome it. This change applies only to these child-related offenses and does not alter pretrial detention rules for other crimes.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the "New Jersey Anti-Semitism Task Force" within the Department of State to research anti-Semitism, develop recommendations, and issue annual reports. The permanent 18-member task force - including legislative leaders, law enforcement, Jewish community representatives, and public members - will identify evidence on anti-Semitism history, stereotypes, and systemic issues affecting Jewish communities in New Jersey. It must hold at least four public meetings yearly (including one in-person) and submit its first annual report within 12 months of its first meeting. The task force directly affects Jewish communities in New Jersey and requires state resources for its operations, without creating new laws or policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the New Jersey Artificial Intelligence Advisory Council to study how state agencies use artificial intelligence (AI). The council, made up of the state's Chief Technology Officer, two Assembly members, two Senate members, and two public AI experts, will evaluate AI's benefits and risks in government operations. It must develop ethical guidelines to prevent bias and protect privacy, recommend safe AI practices for state agencies, and review current AI systems for fairness. The council will report its findings to the Governor and Legislature within one year and then cease to exist.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's A4401 bill establishes an online public registry of individuals convicted of human trafficking offenses who are incarcerated, on parole, or participating in community release programs. The registry will include specific details about each person's conviction, sentence, location, and criminal history, organized into four categories based on their status. The bill also mandates training for law enforcement, hotel/motel staff, healthcare employees, and court personnel on recognizing and responding to human trafficking. Additionally, it requires schools to incorporate age-appropriate human trafficking prevention education into middle and high school curricula, covering topics like online safety and grooming tactics.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits New Jersey from providing state aid to public colleges and universities that fail to address antisemitism. Specifically, it cuts funding if an institution authorizes antisemitic events, fails to enforce anti-harassment policies, or doesn't adequately punish perpetrators of antisemitism (including through expulsion or criminal referral). The bill defines "antisemitism" using the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's 2016 working definition. It directly affects all public institutions of higher education receiving state funding in New Jersey.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A4261) reduces the taxable wage base used to calculate payroll taxes for unemployment insurance, temporary disability insurance, family leave insurance, and workforce development funds. Currently, New Jersey multiplies the statewide average weekly wage by 28 to determine the taxable wage base ($42,300 for 2024). The bill would change this multiplier to 14, effectively halving the taxable wage base to approximately $21,150 for 2025 and beyond. This change directly affects employers and employees who pay these payroll taxes, reducing the amount of wages subject to these contributions.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill extends the closing time of polling places from 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM for general and primary elections. It also extends early voting hours to 9:00 PM on weekdays and 7:00 PM on Sundays, and requires municipal clerk offices to remain open until 9:00 PM on election days. The bill additionally extends the hours minors aged 16-18 can work at polling places from 9:00 PM to 10:00 PM. These changes provide more flexibility for voters who may need to cast ballots later in the evening. The bill directly affects voters, election officials, and minor workers at polling locations.