Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits distributing intentionally deceptive audio or visual media (such as deepfakes) within 90 days of an election if the intent is to deceive voters about a candidate or election. It criminalizes such distribution as a disorderly person offense, punishable by up to six months in jail, a $1,000 fine, or both. The prohibition does not apply if the media includes a clear, visible disclosure (e.g., "This advertisement contains manipulated images or sound") that remains readable throughout video or audible at the start of audio. Registered voters and candidates can seek court injunctions or sue for damages in violation cases. News organizations publishing such media for newsworthy purposes with the required disclosure are exempt from the law.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Health and the New Jersey Board of Nursing to provide homemaker-home health aide and nursing assistant certification exams in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, Haitian Creole, and Tagalog. It directly affects individuals seeking these certifications, particularly non-English speakers who may face language barriers during testing. The law mandates that both written and oral exams be available in these languages to ensure accessibility. The agencies can adopt additional rules under existing administrative procedures to implement this requirement, which takes effect six months after enactment.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling to administer professional license examinations in English and the four most commonly spoken languages in the state (other than English), instead of only English with optional Spanish for practicing licensees. It directly affects cosmetology applicants and license holders seeking to take or renew their licenses. The key provision mandates the Division of Consumers Affairs to post these four languages on its website and verify them every five years. The bill does not change current requirements for Spanish or translator assistance but expands language options based on statewide demographics.
Maddy summaryNew Jersey's A3366 establishes a Women's Menstrual Health Program within the Department of Health to identify and support patients with symptoms of endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The program requires the Department to contract with healthcare providers for screenings, referrals, and follow-up care; provide education for medical staff and the public; and maintain an online resource hub with clinical guidelines and patient materials. It directly affects women experiencing symptoms like severe pelvic pain, irregular periods, infertility, or other menstrual disorder indicators linked to these conditions. The bill mandates standardized data collection for quality assurance while keeping patient information confidential, as required by law. This initiative aims to improve early identification and care for millions of women impacted by these common, long-term health conditions.
Maddy summaryAJR 112 designates the calendar week beginning Sunday that includes September 10th each year as "Suicide Prevention Week" in New Jersey. This symbolic resolution does not create new laws or services but encourages statewide awareness and community activities around suicide prevention. It requests the Governor annually issue a proclamation to recognize the week and promote existing resources like the NJ Suicide Hopeline. The bill directly affects all New Jersey residents by fostering community engagement with the state's ongoing suicide prevention efforts. It is procedural, focusing on recognition rather than policy changes.
Maddy summaryThis bill makes it a fourth-degree crime to secretly install or use electronic tracking devices or apps to monitor another person's location without permission, punishable by up to 18 months in jail or a $10,000 fine. It defines "electronic tracking devices" (like GPS trackers) and "tracking applications" (like hidden location apps) and creates a legal presumption that secret tracking is for illegal purposes like stalking. Key exceptions include parents tracking minor children, monitoring individuals at health risk, business property tracking during transactions, employer vehicle monitoring (with required notice), and explicit consent from the person being tracked. Consent must be in writing for devices or explicit opt-in for apps, and can be revoked if spouses file divorce petitions or domestic violence restraining orders.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey colleges and universities to inform students with federal student loans about the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program during their final two academic semesters. It also mandates that state government employers provide employees with PSLF information during onboarding and annually thereafter. The required information must include eligibility details, the program's website, and federal requirements (20 U.S.C. §1087e), and can be delivered electronically, by mail, or in person. The goal is to increase awareness of this federal program, which forgives student loans after 10 years of qualifying public service work.
Maddy summaryThis bill updates New Jersey's legal terminology by replacing "child pornography" with "child sexual abuse or exploitation material" (CSAEM) throughout state statutes. The change affects multiple sections of law including those related to crimes, sex offender registration, employment disqualifications, and educational programs. The purpose is to use more accurate language that reflects the reality of these crimes and avoids implying consent from victims. The sponsor states this terminology update is not intended to change the substance of the law, but to make the language more consistent with current understanding and international standards. The bill corrects technical inconsistencies in existing statutes while maintaining the same legal protections and penalties.
Maddy summaryThis bill (A3887) requires healthcare providers during prenatal care to help pregnant women develop personalized postpartum care plans, including designating a medical home for follow-up care. It mandates hospitals and birthing facilities to provide standardized postpartum information before discharge, covering warning signs of complications like excessive bleeding, high blood pressure, infection, and depression. The law directly affects pregnant women receiving maternity care in New Jersey, healthcare professionals, and maternity care facilities. Key provisions include mandatory plan development during prenatal visits and uniform educational materials for facilities to ensure consistent patient education about postpartum health risks.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires the next Educational Adequacy Report (due September 1, 2025) to include a comprehensive review of school funding components, developed through consultation with school administrators, staff, students, parents, and community members. It also mandates that the Governor and Commissioner commission school finance experts to recommend revisions to the methodologies used for calculating key funding factors, such as base per-pupil amounts, preschool funding, special education costs, and transportation/security aid coefficients. The goal is to ensure these funding levels adequately support students meeting New Jersey's core curriculum standards. The report will update the parameters determining state aid to school districts for the following three fiscal years.