Asm. Carol Murphy

Maddy summaryThis bill (A5018) gives juveniles aged 14 or older (or younger for murder charges) the right to request being tried as adults in criminal court, subject to court approval. Before approving such a request, the court must hold a hearing to ensure the juvenile understands the differences in sentencing between juvenile and adult systems and that their decision is made knowingly and voluntarily. If approved, the case proceeds as an adult case, but the juvenile is presumed to serve any prison time in a juvenile facility until age 21, with limited exceptions for safety or age. The court may also allow the case to return to juvenile court later if it serves the juvenile's best interests and public safety.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands New Jersey's existing employer reporting requirements to include ride-sharing and delivery platforms that hire or contract with workers for financial compensation. It requires these companies to report specific worker details (name, address, date of birth, Social Security number) and their own business information (name, address, federal tax ID) to the state within 20 days of hiring or contracting, or every 15 days for electronic reports. Failure to report incurs a civil penalty of up to $25 per violation, or $500 for conspiracy to provide false information. The reported data will be shared with state employment and workers' compensation agencies to support their programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill eliminates a $15 fee for special license plates designated for firefighters and members of first aid or rescue squads in New Jersey. It directly affects compensated, partially compensated, and volunteer members of fire departments or first aid/rescue squads who currently pay this fee in addition to standard vehicle registration costs. The bill amends existing law (P.L.1977, c.369) to remove the $15 charge, meaning applicants will only pay standard vehicle registration fees. The special plates (featuring a Maltese Cross with "F.D." for firefighters or a similar design for first aid/rescue members) remain available under the same eligibility rules.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all menstrual products sold in New Jersey - including tampons, pads, discs, cups, and underwear (both disposable and reusable) - to list every ingredient on the package in descending order of quantity. The label must be clearly visible and understandable to consumers. Manufacturers who sell noncompliant products after the bill’s effective date face civil penalties of up to 1% of their annual in-state sales per package, capped at $1,000 per item, enforced by the Division of Consumer Affairs. The law applies only to products manufactured after the effective date and excludes shipping packaging.

Maddy summaryThis bill modernizes the New Jersey Council of County Colleges' role by expanding its responsibilities. It requires the Council to develop a biennial strategic plan for county colleges, serve as the primary advisory body to state agencies on college-related matters, and create a performance-based funding formula for state aid (capping operational support at 43% of colleges' base-year costs). The Council must also enhance data sharing, coordinate statewide academic initiatives, and build partnerships with employers to align programs with workforce needs. These changes directly affect all 19 New Jersey county colleges and their funding mechanisms, while strengthening the Council's role in guiding state higher education policy.

Maddy summaryThe Pet Insurance Act establishes a regulatory framework for pet insurance in New Jersey, requiring insurers to clearly define key terms like "preexisting condition" and "hereditary disorder" in policies. It mandates specific disclosures to consumers about exclusions (e.g., for hereditary disorders, congenital conditions, or chronic illnesses) and limits waiting periods to 30 days for illnesses or orthopedic conditions (with no waiting period for accidents). The bill also prohibits requiring veterinary exams for policy renewals and mandates that wellness programs be clearly labeled as non-insurance, separate from coverage. Additionally, it requires insurance producers to complete training on policy terms and consumer disclosures before selling pet insurance.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Attorney General to create a crowd management training program for municipal police departments in areas that experienced two or more large gatherings (over 500 people) or flash mobs/pop-up parties (50+ people organized via social media without advance notice) within the past year. The training covers techniques for managing crowds, juveniles, social media monitoring, inter-agency coordination, and safety protocols. Participating departments also gain access to social media monitoring tools, mobile command units, and additional State Police support during large events. The program aims to improve public safety response to unannounced large gatherings through standardized training and resources.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all New Jersey state agencies - including departments, boards, and public authorities - to make their websites compliant with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 Level AA standard, ensuring they are accessible to people with disabilities. It mandates that all websites must also function properly on smartphones, tablets, and similar mobile devices. State agencies must certify compliance with these standards within two years of the bill’s effective date, with biennial recertification required thereafter. The Chief Technology Officer will establish the certification protocol and oversee compliance for all state government websites.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows honorably discharged veterans in New Jersey to obtain special license plates displaying the word "Veteran" in addition to standard registration markings. To qualify, applicants must provide a DD-214 or discharge certificate and pay a $15 fee on top of regular vehicle registration costs. Surviving spouses of deceased veterans may continue using these plates on their vehicles. The Motor Vehicle Commission will design the plates, handle applications, and notify drivers about the option during registration renewals.

Maddy summaryThis bill strengthens oversight of residential facilities serving people with developmental disabilities by authorizing New Jersey's Department of Human Services (DHS) to impose fines for safety violations, such as failing background checks, not investigating abuse, or operating without a license. It establishes the "Residential Facility Quality of Care Improvement Fund" within DHS, funded by these fines (up to $25,000 per violation for serious incidents like abuse with major injury), to support quality improvement initiatives, licensing, and regulatory actions. The bill directly affects authorized providers (contracted service agencies) and licensed providers operating residential facilities, requiring them to meet stricter compliance standards. Penalties include fines, suspension of payments, or restrictions on admissions for repeated violations.