Asm. Andrea Katz

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill expands the definition of "burglar's tools" to include devices or software designed to bypass keyless locking mechanisms (like smart locks or digital keypads). It makes manufacturing, possessing, or publishing instructions for such tools a crime: manufacturing or publishing is a fourth-degree offense (up to 18 months jail or $10,000 fine), while mere possession is a lesser disorderly persons offense (up to 6 months jail or $1,000 fine). The law directly affects individuals who create, distribute, or possess tools specifically adapted to access premises without physical keys. It targets modern security vulnerabilities without altering existing burglary statutes for traditional methods. The bill is currently pending in the Assembly Public Safety Committee.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A-2768) creates the Office of Permitting and Broadband Deployment Efficiency within New Jersey’s Department of State to streamline permitting for development projects. It establishes the "New Jersey Permit Fast Track Program" to expedite permits for qualifying critical infrastructure and economic development projects, appropriating $2 million for implementation. The office will regulate utility pole access (setting 30-day dispute resolution), publish a statewide permit list, and recommend efficiency improvements. It directly affects project developers seeking permits and state/local permitting authorities by standardizing processes and reducing delays. The program requires applications detailing project scope and permit status, with eligibility determined by the Department of State.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A 2719) allows law enforcement to confidentially share limited information about a juvenile involved in a family crisis with their school principal. The principal may use this information, shared only with appropriate staff, to develop school programs supporting the juvenile's educational and social needs. The bill strictly prohibits using this information for school discipline and bans maintaining records of the shared details, except as authorized by the State Board of Education.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 2726) requires employers in New Jersey to use bias audits for automated tools that screen job applicants or make employment decisions (like hiring, promotions, or pay). It mandates that sellers of these tools provide annual bias audits evaluating potential discrimination against protected groups (such as race, gender, or disability), and employers must post audit summaries online and notify candidates 10 days before using such tools. The law applies to all employers, including government agencies, and aims to prevent biased outcomes by requiring independent reviews and transparency. The bill is pending before the Assembly Science, Innovation and Technology Committee.

Maddy summaryThis bill imposes new annual registration fees for electric vehicles in New Jersey: $300 for passenger EVs and $450 for commercial EVs starting July 2025, collected by the Motor Vehicle Commission. It reduces highway fuel tax rates from 10.5¢ to 7¢ per gallon for gasoline and 13.5¢ to 9¢ for diesel fuel. All fees and tax revenues will fund the state's Transportation Trust Fund. The bill also authorizes the Department of Transportation to conduct a study on alternative revenue sources for transportation infrastructure.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a refund program for businesses that pay application fees for state permits, licenses, or certifications when processing exceeds set time limits. State agencies must submit detailed catalogs of their permit types, fees, and current processing times to the Governor, who then sets recommended processing deadlines. If an agency fails to meet the recommended deadline after receiving a complete application, it must refund the fee (without affecting the permit's approval status). The program applies to all state departments, boards, or authorities issuing such permits.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health insurers in New Jersey to maintain coverage for prescription drugs for individuals with complex/chronic medical conditions or rare diseases during any appeal stage if coverage was previously denied based on medical necessity. It prevents insurers from imposing new cost increases, coverage limits, or moving drugs to higher-cost tiers while an appeal is pending. Insurers may only deny coverage during an appeal if the prescribing doctor stops recommending the drug, the FDA issues a safety warning, or the drug manufacturer discontinues production. The law applies to all group and individual health insurance plans sold in New Jersey that cover prescription drugs.

Maddy summaryAJR 91 is a New Jersey joint resolution urging Congress to call a constitutional convention to consider amending the U.S. Constitution to protect reproductive health care rights. It specifically seeks a nationwide standard for rights including access to contraception, abortion, and pregnancy decisions, rather than state-by-state laws. The resolution does not create new laws or directly affect anyone - it is a procedural request to Congress, citing the Dobbs decision as a reason for federal action. It emphasizes that a constitutional amendment, if ratified by 3/4 of states, would ensure consistent access to reproductive care across all states. The bill is currently pending in the Assembly Community Development and Women's Affairs Committee.

Maddy summaryThis bill exempts specific baby products and sunscreen from New Jersey's sales tax starting October 1, 2025. It directly affects parents and caregivers purchasing baby necessities like baby wash, car seats (child restraint systems), cribs, nursing bottles, and strollers, as well as sunscreen regulated by the FDA for sun protection (excluding cosmetic products). The bill amends existing tax law to add these items to the list of exempt sales, clarifying definitions for terms like "child restraint system" and "sunscreen." It does not change tax rates but removes tax from these specific retail purchases. The exemption applies to all qualifying products sold after the effective date.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A 2743) requires school districts to annually send written notices to parents of students with disabilities about available advanced placement (AP) courses. The notice must include the course name, description, and any prerequisites. It also prohibits schools from excluding students with disabilities from AP courses solely based on their disability. The bill directly affects students with disabilities, their parents, and school districts, aiming to ensure equal access to AP opportunities. It takes effect immediately upon enactment.