Asm. Lou Greenwald

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey Assembly Resolution (AR 147) condemns the U.S. Supreme Court's 2024 ruling in *Garland v. Cargill*, which determined that bump stocks do not qualify as machine guns under federal law. It reaffirms New Jersey’s existing ban on bump stocks, established by P.L.2017, c.323, which prohibits their sale and possession as dangerous devices. The resolution states the Court’s decision undermines federal gun safety regulations and contradicts New Jersey’s commitment to public safety, citing the 2017 Las Vegas shooting where bump stocks were reportedly used. As a non-binding resolution, it does not change laws but expresses the state’s position to lawmakers.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes legal protections for patients and healthcare providers accessing or providing reproductive and gender-affirming health care services in New Jersey. It creates a new crime for interfering with these services (including physical obstruction, intimidation, or damaging property), with penalties ranging from a disorderly persons offense to a fourth-degree crime. The bill also prevents New Jersey from extraditing people for legally protected health care activities, prohibits licensing boards from penalizing providers for services that are legal in New Jersey but illegal in other states, and protects patient privacy related to these services. It specifically ensures that a fertilized egg, embryo, or fetus has no independent legal rights under New Jersey law.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's A1494 prohibits businesses from using facial recognition or biometric surveillance systems on consumers at physical locations (like stores or restaurants) without meeting specific requirements. Businesses must provide clear notice (e.g., visible signage) and use the technology only for lawful purposes. If a business denies access or removes a consumer based on this technology, it must give a detailed explanation of its decision. The bill also bans businesses from selling or profiting from biometric data collected this way, with violations punishable by fines up to $20,000 per offense.

Maddy summaryAJR 86 designates the fourth Wednesday in May each year as "Crisis Professionals Day" in New Jersey. The resolution requests the Governor issue an annual proclamation recognizing this day to honor crisis professionals who assist individuals during mental health crises. These professionals, trained to de-escalate crises using empathy and support, provide critical services to vulnerable New Jersey residents. The bill has no fiscal impact and serves solely as a ceremonial recognition of their work.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a Deep Fake Technology Unit within New Jersey's Department of Law and Public Safety to address the growing threat of AI-generated deepfakes. The unit will provide technical training, evidence analysis, and expert support to state and local law enforcement, prosecutors, and courts for detecting and investigating deceptive audio or visual media. It requires annual reports on deepfake technology trends, legal developments, and collaboration efforts, and appropriates $2 million from the state general fund to cover operational costs. The unit directly affects law enforcement agencies, courts, and state prosecutors by enhancing their capacity to handle deepfake-related cases.

Maddy summaryThis bill would exempt certain plastic materials processed at advanced plastic processing facilities from New Jersey's solid waste disposal and recycling laws. Specifically, plastics transported to and processed using chemical methods like gasification, pyrolysis, or solvolysis would no longer be classified as "solid waste" under state law. The exemption does not apply to plastics labeled with codes 1 (PETE) or 2 (HDPE). Advanced plastic processing facilities would still be subject to environmental regulations governing air and water pollution. This change would primarily affect plastic processors using these advanced chemical conversion methods.

Maddy summaryThis bill revises the New Jersey Aspire Program, which provides tax credits to developers of redevelopment projects that would not be economically feasible without subsidies. Key changes include expanding eligibility for government-restricted municipalities to include Newark, Camden, and other cities; allowing projects in these areas to demonstrate a lower net economic benefit (up to 50 percentage points less than standard requirement); and providing residential developers with an option to use project labor agreements instead of prevailing wage requirements for construction workers. The bill also extends utility fee reductions to Aspire Program developers and establishes a 5-year tax exemption period for redevelopment project improvements, followed by a 5-year phased payment-in-lieu program for municipal taxes. These changes primarily affect developers seeking tax credits through the New Jersey Economic Development Authority for qualifying redevelopment projects.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new program within New Jersey's Department of Labor and Workforce Development (DOLWD) to connect people with disabilities to job training and employment opportunities. The program requires DOLWD, working with the Department of Human Services, to partner with qualified nonprofit organizations (with at least five years of disability-related experience) to provide job training, outreach, and employment services. It mandates an online resource hub listing training providers, allowing employers to post jobs, and including state labor law information. The program must be evaluated annually through a report to the Governor and Legislature. The bill directly affects job seekers with disabilities, qualifying training organizations, and employers in New Jersey.

Maddy summaryACR 86 proposes a constitutional amendment to extend New Jersey's enhanced homestead property tax rebate - currently available to seniors (65+) and disabled residents - to honorably discharged veterans who served in wartime or emergencies and their unmarried surviving spouses. This would allow eligible veterans and surviving spouses to receive the same larger rebate (up to $500 annually, averaged at $410) that seniors/disabled residents currently get, instead of the existing $50 property tax deduction for veterans. The bill does not change current eligibility for the $50 deduction but would expand access to the higher rebate for veterans and surviving spouses who meet service criteria. The amendment requires voter approval at the next general election after legislative passage.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey Assembly Bill A2808 would allow municipalities to issue additional plenary retail alcohol licenses (for bars and restaurants) beyond the current population-based limit of one license per 3,000 residents. It enables towns to sell these licenses through public bidding, with fees split equally: 50% going to the issuing municipality and 50% distributed among existing license holders in that area. The bill removes the existing cap, addressing shortages in some communities where license availability was restricted by population size. This change directly affects municipalities seeking to expand alcohol retail options and existing license holders who would share in new license fees.