Asm. Bill Spearman

Maddy summaryThis bill requires parties in civil lawsuits to disclose any third-party litigation funding agreements to the court and all parties at the time of filing or when the agreement is made. It establishes that litigation funders must act in the best interest of the funded party (a fiduciary duty), prohibits them from influencing case decisions or taking more than 25% of settlement proceeds (with a combined 50% cap including attorney fees), and bans them from offering legal advice or assigning funding agreements. Funders become jointly liable for costs or sanctions against the funded party, and agreements violating these rules become unenforceable. The bill directly affects civil case participants and third-party funders by increasing transparency and limiting funders' control over litigation outcomes.

Maddy summaryS 3587 upgrades retail theft offenses in New Jersey, including elevating "leader of organized retail theft enterprise" to a first-degree crime punishable by 10-20 years in prison. The bill creates a new offense for "fostering the sale of stolen property" (including online sales), which is a disorderly persons offense punishable by up to six months in jail. It establishes a retail theft unit within the Department of Law and Public Safety to investigate and prosecute organized retail theft, appropriating $1 million for this purpose. The bill also includes new requirements for gift card sales to prevent fraud, such as mandatory notices for retailers and packaging restrictions for both open- and closed-loop gift cards.

Maddy summaryAJR 217 is a commemorative resolution designating April 9 of each year as "Paul Robeson Day" in New Jersey. It honors Paul Robeson, a Rutgers University scholar, athlete, actor, singer, and civil rights activist born in Princeton, NJ, who broke racial barriers in the 1920s-1930s and advocated for global justice. The resolution requests the Governor issue an annual proclamation encouraging public observance of the day through activities and programs. As a procedural resolution, it does not create new laws or affect specific groups but formally commemorates Robeson's legacy.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's State Agriculture Development Committee to create housing standards for resident farm employees on commercial farms. It defines a "resident farm employee" as someone working full-time on agricultural production (excluding equine staff), and mandates that housing built under these standards must comply with state construction codes. Such housing would be protected under the "Right to Farm" law, preventing municipalities from denying permits or blocking it via local zoning rules. The bill directly affects commercial farms employing full-time agricultural workers who live on-site.

Maddy summaryThis bill allocates $28.67 million in unused funds from New Jersey's 2003 and 1992 bond acts to provide low-interest loans for dam restoration and inland waters projects. The funds specifically support 13 projects under the 2003 bond act (e.g., $3 million for Mountain Creek Lake Dam repairs) and 4 projects under the 1992 bond act (e.g., $2.85 million for Lake Garrison Dam). These loans are available to private dam owners, lake associations, or local governments for repairing aging infrastructure and maintaining water systems. The funding comes from existing bond program savings, cancellations, and loan repayments - no new taxes or spending are required. The bill directs the Department of Environmental Protection to disburse these funds for the listed projects only.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A567) requires courts to order counseling for children who have witnessed or been exposed to domestic violence in households where abuse has occurred. It establishes a legal presumption that custody of minor children should be awarded to the non-abusive parent when a final restraining order is issued in domestic violence cases. The bill also permits courts to order the abusive parent to pay for the child's counseling and requires them to provide proof of payment to the court. Additionally, it mandates that courts consider the child's exposure to domestic violence when making custody decisions, prioritizing the child's safety and well-being.

Maddy summaryACR 157 is a symbolic resolution condemning Hinduphobia and anti-Hindu bigotry, directly affirming support for Hindu Americans in New Jersey. It formally declares the state's stance against prejudice toward Hinduism ("Sanatana Dharma") and Hindus, citing documented hate crimes and Hindu contributions to U.S. society. The resolution requires transmission to the Governor, New Jersey’s congressional delegation, and the Hindu American Foundation in Washington, DC. As a concurrent resolution, it does not create legal obligations but serves as a public statement of the state’s position. It recognizes Hinduism’s global significance and the community’s economic and cultural contributions to New Jersey and the U.S.

Maddy summaryThe "Climate Superfund Act" would hold fossil fuel companies liable for climate change damages by requiring them to pay compensatory payments based on their historical greenhouse gas emissions. It targets companies that extracted or refined fossil fuels and are responsible for over one billion metric tons of emissions between 1995 and the bill's effective date. The bill establishes a program through New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection to collect these payments and distribute funds for climate adaptation projects, such as flood protection, infrastructure upgrades, and health programs. Companies would pay their proportional share of damages over nine years, with options for installment payments, and the collected funds would specifically support projects that help communities prepare for climate impacts.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the New Jersey State Treasurer to appoint an acting executive director for the Garden State Preservation Trust (GSPT) when the permanent position has been vacant for one year or longer. The appointment requires consultation with the Environmental Protection Commissioner and Agriculture Secretary, and the acting director serves a minimum one-year term at an annual cost capped at $150,000. The GSPT retains full oversight authority over the acting director, consistent with existing laws governing the trust. The bill directly affects the GSPT’s operations, which manage state conservation funds and report on open space, farmland, and historic preservation progress.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey school meal providers to prioritize purchasing foods from local sources when using federal or state funds for school meal programs. It mandates that school food authorities and contracted vendors give geographic preference to foods produced within 100 miles of the school, with specific preference given to in-state farmers within that 100-mile radius. The policy applies to procurement under the Local Food for Schools program and similar initiatives, requiring contracts to include compliance provisions and documentation to verify adherence to these sourcing requirements. The bill aims to support local agriculture while ensuring school meal programs follow specific geographic sourcing guidelines.