Asm. Lou Greenwald

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits election-related identity theft, including impersonation using deepfakes or false depictions to influence candidates or public questions. It upgrades spreading false campaign ads that conceal their origin (to impede a campaign) from a minor offense to a third-degree crime, with harsher penalties if done within 90 days of an election. The law directly affects individuals or groups who commit these acts during election periods, with penalties including up to 10 years in prison and $150,000 fines for the most severe offenses. The bill amends New Jersey's identity theft statute and the Fair Campaign Practices Act to address these specific election threats.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes how $1.5 million in state funding for community security initiatives is distributed under the Fiscal Year 2025 budget. It specifically redirects the funds from the incorrect designation "Jewish Federation of New Jersey" to the Jewish Federation of Southern New Jersey, which will distribute the money equally to all Jewish Federations statewide. The funds will cover costs for security initiatives like safety planning and equipment at Jewish community centers. The bill corrects an administrative error in the current appropriations act without altering the funding amount or security program scope.

Maddy summaryThis bill redirects $1.5 million in existing Homeland Security funding from the current "Jewish Federation of New Jersey" allocation to the Jewish Federation of Southern New Jersey for statewide distribution. It requires the Jewish Federation of Southern New Jersey to distribute these funds equally to all Jewish Federations across New Jersey to support their community security initiatives, subject to approval by the Division of Budget and Accounting. The change corrects an outdated organizational name in the current appropriations act and ensures funds reach all Jewish community security programs statewide. The bill amends the Fiscal Year 2025 appropriations act to implement this specific distribution mechanism.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's A5322 limits how consumer contracts can be used by prohibiting companies from including terms that govern unrelated purchases. The bill requires service contracts (for personal, family, or household use) to apply only to the specific service bought, not controlling how consumers purchase other products or services from the company or its affiliates. It explicitly excludes securities and commodities transactions from this rule. The law takes effect 180 days after enactment and applies to new or renewed contracts entered after that date.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) to create an online application system for residents to obtain REAL ID identification cards and licenses. It mandates that the MVC accept and process electronic copies of required identity and legal status documents through its website, aligning with federal REAL ID Act standards. The MVC must approve applications if all federal requirements are met or deny them if not, with implementation rules to be adopted within 60 days of the bill's enactment. This change directly affects New Jersey residents applying for REAL ID-compliant credentials, streamlining the process while maintaining federal compliance.

Maddy summaryThis bill would have New Jersey join the Social Work Licensure Compact, allowing social workers licensed in New Jersey to practice in other participating states without obtaining separate licenses. The compact establishes a system where social workers must meet specific requirements (including passing national exams, holding appropriate degrees, and completing supervised practice) to qualify for a multistate license. It creates a commission to manage the compact, handle data sharing among states, and address disciplinary actions. The compact aims to increase access to social work services, reduce duplicate licensing requirements, and support workforce mobility for social workers across member states. This would directly affect social workers seeking to practice in multiple states and the states' licensing authorities.

Maddy summaryThis bill allocates $22,431,294 from the 2003 Dam, Lake and Stream Project Revolving Loan Fund and $6,239,630 from the 1992 Dam Restoration and Clean Water Trust Fund - totaling $28,670,924 - to provide loans for dam restoration and inland waters projects. The funds, drawn from unused monies due to project cancellations and repayments, directly support 17 specific projects, including repairs for private dams (like High Crest Lake Dam and Mountain Creek Lake Dam) and lake associations, as well as local government-owned dams. These loans finance restoration costs for dam owners, private lake associations, or local governments working together. The bill specifies that unexpended funds will return to the respective bond funds for future projects.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all health insurance plans and Medicaid in New Jersey to cover treatment for stuttering, including habilitative and rehabilitative speech therapy as determined medically necessary by a patient's doctor. The coverage must be provided without prior authorization, utilization management requirements, or any cost-sharing such as deductibles, copays, or coinsurance. It applies to all insurance types including individual and group health plans, health maintenance organizations, and Medicaid, and covers both in-person and telehealth services. The bill defines habilitative speech therapy as therapy that helps a person keep, learn, or improve daily living skills, and rehabilitative speech therapy as therapy that helps restore or improve skills that have been lost or impaired. This legislation would directly affect individuals with stuttering who rely on insurance or Medicaid for speech therapy services.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's A3540 establishes criminal penalties for creating or sharing deceptive audio or visual media (commonly called "deepfakes") that falsely depict someone doing something they didn't actually do. It makes it a crime to produce such media for unlawful purposes (like harassment, theft, or privacy violations) or to share it without clearly labeling it as fake. Individuals harmed by these deepfakes can sue for $1,000 per violation plus damages, attorney fees, and other remedies. The law exempts news media from penalties unless they knowingly share unmarked fake content created in violation of the bill.

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.