Asm. Bill Spearman

Maddy summaryThis bill restructures the governance of New Jersey's State Health Benefits Program (SHBP), which provides health coverage to state employees. It creates a new 11-member State Health Benefits Commission (replacing the previous structure) and a separate 12-member Plan Design Committee. The Commission includes the Treasurer, agency heads, and members appointed by labor unions representing state employees, while the Plan Design Committee focuses specifically on designing health plan benefits like medical, dental, and prescription coverage. These changes affect all state employees enrolled in the SHBP by altering who oversees their health plan offerings and administration. The bill does not change the actual benefits provided, only the decision-making bodies managing the program.

Maddy summaryThis bill, the New Jersey Immigrant Trust Act (A-1400), prohibits state and local government agencies - including law enforcement, schools, and hospitals - from cooperating with federal immigration authorities on immigration detainer requests that lack judicial warrants. It directly affects immigrants and their families by ensuring they can access public services like healthcare and education without fear of deportation. Key provisions ban agencies from holding individuals beyond their release date based on federal immigration detainers (like I-247 forms) and require them to prioritize local safety over federal immigration enforcement. The law aims to prevent unconstitutional detentions and maintain community trust in public services, as federal detainers have been found to violate constitutional rights in multiple courts.

Maddy summaryACR 78 is a symbolic resolution (not a law) introduced by New Jersey Assembly members to condemn hinduphobia and anti-Hindu bigotry. It formally declares New Jersey's opposition to prejudice against Hinduism and Hindus, recognizing Hinduism as one of the world's largest religions and highlighting Hindu Americans' contributions to U.S. society. The resolution requires copies to be sent to the Governor, New Jersey's congressional delegation, and the Hindu American Foundation in Washington, DC. It does not create new legal requirements or policies, but serves as a public statement of support.

Maddy summaryThis bill adds "Sikhism" to New Jersey's list of protected classes under the state's bias intimidation law (N.J.S.2C:16-1), explicitly including Sikhs in legal protections against hate crimes motivated by religious bias. It directly affects Sikh residents and community members who face discrimination or violence due to their religious identity, such as attacks targeting turbans, beards, or gurdwaras. The key mechanism amends the statute to cover offenses committed "because of their membership within a protected class," including Sikhism, and creates a legal presumption that bias was a motivating factor in such crimes. The bill also appropriates $100,000, likely for educational or support programs related to Sikh community awareness, though specific funding details aren't outlined in the text.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 2503) would amend New Jersey's open records law to prohibit the disclosure of specific personal information about probation officers. It directly affects probation officers by adding their personal details - such as name, address, contact information, and employment records - to the list of confidential government records that cannot be publicly accessed under state law. The key mechanism requires public agencies to treat this information as exempt from disclosure requests, similar to other protected categories like victim records or security procedures. The bill does not change how probation officers perform their duties but limits public access to their personal data. It is currently pending in the Assembly Judiciary Committee after introduction on January 13, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a program to promote New Jersey-made craft alcohol (beer, cider, mead, liquor) and the retailers who sell it. It establishes a "Certified Jersey Craft Alcohol Beverage Retailer" program requiring retailers to derive at least 10% of annual sales from NJ craft beverages to earn certification and use special signage. The program includes grants of up to $2,500 annually for certified retailers to support capital improvements or marketing, funded by 50% of tax revenue from craft beverage sales. The New Jersey Economic Development Authority will manage the program, develop application guidelines, and track grant usage. The bill directly affects craft beverage producers (with specific licenses) and eligible retail businesses selling their products.

Maddy summaryACR 77 declares that the Division of State Lottery's rule (N.J.A.C. 17:20-1.5) permitting direct online sales of lottery tickets is inconsistent with New Jersey's State Lottery Act. The bill directly affects the Division of State Lottery (part of the Department of Treasury), which had adopted the rule to allow consumers to purchase tickets via the agency's website and apps. The resolution cites a conflict with N.J.S.A. 5:9-11, which prohibits state agencies from acting as "exclusive lottery sales agents." It gives the Division 30 days to amend or withdraw the rule, or the Legislature may later invalidate it through further action. This is a procedural resolution, not a new law, focusing on aligning agency rules with existing statutory intent.

Maddy summaryThis bill adopts the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism as an educational resource for New Jersey state agencies, schools, and law enforcement. It defines antisemitism as hatred toward Jews, including specific examples like Holocaust denial, harmful stereotypes (e.g., conspiracy theories about Jewish control), and double standards applied to Israel. The definition is explicitly non-binding and must be used while protecting constitutional rights like free speech. New Jersey lawmakers cite the state's high rate of antisemitic incidents - including ranking third nationally in 2023 - as the basis for this measure.

Maddy summaryThis bill transfers responsibility for inspecting on-farm dairy processing operations from the Department of Health (DOH) to the Department of Agriculture (DOA). It requires DOA to collaborate with DOH and local health boards for these inspections and transfers all related records, equipment, and DOH employees involved in these inspections to DOA. The bill directly affects dairy farmers who undergo these inspections and the two state departments managing the process. Key mechanisms include the immediate transfer of authority, resources, and staff, with DOA allowed to create new rules for implementation. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryAJR 72 is a joint resolution recognizing the right to adequate food in New Jersey, not a binding law. It declares that all residents have the right to physical and economic access to nutritious, culturally appropriate food that meets nutritional needs, while defining key terms like "food sovereignty" and "sustainability." The resolution directs state, county, and municipal entities to prioritize this right in future policies - especially for underdeveloped communities - and coordinate with the Department of Agriculture to support local farming. It does not create new programs or legal obligations but serves as a guiding principle for future legislation. The resolution was withdrawn after being approved as part of P.L.2025, JR-19.