Asm. Andrea Katz

Maddy summaryThis bill requires youth and sports organizations in New Jersey to obtain criminal history background checks for all employees, volunteers, and organizers who work with individuals under 18 years of age. Organizations must request these checks through the State Bureau of Identification, which will review state and federal records to identify any disqualifying criminal convictions. The bill mandates that background checks be conducted annually, though individuals who have already completed a check for a national or international athletic association within the same year may submit proof instead of undergoing a new check. Organizations that fail to comply face civil penalties ranging from $500 to $1,000 per offense, while individuals who knowingly participate despite being disqualified or organizers who disregard check results could face fourth-degree criminal charges.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey's child endangerment law to specifically address AI technology that can simulate sexual conduct with children. It makes it a crime (a fourth-degree offense) for anyone who creates, uses, or promotes such AI tools if they cause or allow a child to be subjected to simulated sexual conduct, unless the AI was designed to avoid sexual interactions with children. The law applies to online distribution, sharing, or promotion of these technologies and includes clear definitions to cover digital contexts like file-sharing networks. It directly affects developers, distributors, and users of AI tools capable of generating inappropriate content for children, without criminalizing AI designed to protect children.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill expands protected bereavement leave under the Family Leave Act to cover specific personal losses: death of a child (including stillbirth), miscarriage (including chemical pregnancy), termination of pregnancy for medical reasons, and failed fertility treatments. It directly affects employees who experience these events, granting them up to 21 days of job-protected leave for situations not covered by other leave types, or 7 days if other leave applies. The bill amends existing laws (P.L.1989, c.261 and P.L.1948, c.110) to define "bereavement" broadly, including losses related to adoption plans, gestational carriers, and fertility treatments. It ensures eligible employees can take time off without losing their jobs or benefits during these difficult circumstances.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 2724) requires licensed child care centers in New Jersey to provide parents or legal guardians with a 45-day written notice before increasing tuition rates. The notice must be sent via certified mail (with return receipt), delivered in person, posted on the center's website, and displayed prominently at the center. It directly affects all parents or guardians of children enrolled in licensed child care centers operating under New Jersey law (P.L.1983, c.492). The law takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill exempts the realty transfer fee from deeds transferring preserved farmland to individuals certified as "beginning farmers" by the New Jersey Department of Agriculture. It directly affects beginning farmers purchasing preserved farmland, removing a financial barrier to entering farming. The key mechanism requires applicants to obtain written certification from the Department of Agriculture, which will establish eligibility criteria and a process for certification (including a possible $100 fee). This policy change applies specifically to transactions involving preserved farmland defined under existing law, as certified by the Department.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Agriculture to publish online safety information for motorists about sharing roads with farm equipment, including a video on passing risks. It mandates that driver education courses include instruction on safely sharing roads with farm equipment, defined as tractors, machinery, or equipment used in farming. The department must also emphasize this safety topic during National Farm Safety and Health Week each September. Additionally, the bill requires a report within 18 months assessing safety risks and potential solutions like signage or penalties for unsafe passing. The policy directly affects drivers, farm operators, and new drivers through updated education materials.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 2731) adds the right to use assisted reproductive technology (ART), including in vitro fertilization (IVF), to New Jersey's fundamental reproductive rights. It directly affects all individuals in New Jersey, including those under state control, by legally protecting their choice to access ART for starting or expanding a family. The key mechanism declares any state law, rule, or regulation limiting this right "deemed invalid" and unenforceable under New Jersey law. The bill responds to Alabama's 2024 court ruling that threatened IVF access, expanding existing protections for reproductive choices. It takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A4074) requires the state Department of State to create a public "Reproductive Health Travel Advisory" to inform residents about reproductive healthcare access in other states. The advisory categorizes states into three tiers: "Blue" (normal access), "Yellow" (restricted access with legal risks), and "Red" (extreme restrictions risking health outcomes). It details specific restrictions like gestational bans, medication limits, and legal protections for patients and providers. The advisory will be published online and updated whenever states change their reproductive healthcare laws. It directly affects New Jersey residents who may travel while pregnant and need to make informed decisions about emergency care.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey bill A 2738 amends the state's child endangerment law to create penalties for using social media to endanger children. It specifically targets individuals who knowingly share or distribute content via electronic communication (including social media platforms) that harms a child's physical, mental, or moral welfare under age 18. The law defines "child endangerment" through electronic communication as actions likely to cause harm, with penalties ranging from a third-degree crime for most people to a second-degree crime if the person has legal care responsibility for the child. The bill excludes Section 230 providers (like social media platforms themselves) from liability under this provision.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all New Jersey state agencies, counties, municipalities, school districts, and other local government entities to purchase at least 5% of their goods and services from the Central Nonprofit Agency (CNA), which supports rehabilitation facilities. It grants the CNA a "right of first refusal" for any goods/services typically bought through cooperative purchasing catalogs, provided they can match prices within 15% of fair market value. The bill also mandates that the Division of Purchase and Property create training protocols for all purchasing agents to ensure awareness of the CNA program, with annual reporting on compliance by all affected entities. These requirements apply to all state and local government bodies authorized to make purchases.