Asm. Mike Torrissi

Maddy summaryThis bill requires companies, corporations, manufacturers, and contract testing facilities in New Jersey that use cats, dogs, or ferrets for product testing or research to assess these animals for adoption suitability after testing ends. If suitable, the animals must be offered to animal rescue organizations or private individuals for adoption. The bill establishes procedures for documenting assessments and dispositions, requiring facilities to register with the Department of Health and report details about animal use, suitability, and adoption outcomes. Noncompliance could result in civil penalties of $10,000 for a first offense, $50,000 for a second, and potential injunctions against conducting further animal testing for a third offense.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill prohibits discrimination against pregnant women who have not received a COVID-19 vaccine. It makes it illegal for employers, schools, healthcare providers, businesses, and other entities to ask about a pregnant woman's vaccination status, require her to get vaccinated, or demand proof of vaccination for any purpose - including employment, education, healthcare access, or business entry. The law also protects pregnant women from adverse actions if they decline to disclose their vaccination status or show proof. Violators face civil penalties of $25,000 per incident plus attorney fees, with enforcement through the Superior Court.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the "Local Governmental Process Activities Disclosure Act," expands lobbying disclosure requirements to New Jersey's local government level. It requires anyone acting as a "governmental affairs agent" (a person who influences local measures, regulations, or processes) to register with the Election Law Enforcement Commission before communicating with local officials or providing benefits. The bill mandates quarterly reports on lobbying activities and annual reports detailing expenditures, with specific limits on gifts to local officials ($250 annually) and their immediate family members. It applies to all local government entities including municipalities, counties, school districts, and local authorities.

Maddy summaryThis bill eliminates the requirement for New Jersey state employers to mandate weekly COVID-19 testing for unvaccinated state employees. It directly affects all unvaccinated employees working for state agencies or institutions. Key provisions state that state employers can no longer enforce periodic testing or proof of negative tests for unvaccinated staff, though employees may still choose to test voluntarily. The bill also preserves the ability for employers to require testing for any symptomatic employee, regardless of vaccination status. The change takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis Assembly Resolution (AR 77) is a symbolic statement of support for Ukraine and its citizens amid Russia's ongoing conflict. It condemns Russia's 2014 annexation of Crimea, 2022 invasion, and violations of international law, while expressing solidarity with Ukraine's sovereignty and democratic aspirations. The resolution requires sending copies to Ukraine's U.S. and U.N. ambassadors but does not create new laws or affect any specific group. It is a non-binding declaration reflecting New Jersey's position, not a policy change.

Maddy summaryThis bill declares that an elected official's position becomes vacant immediately if they switch political parties while serving in office. The officeholder must relinquish their position upon the change being declared, and the vacancy will be filled according to existing laws. The rule only applies to elected offices where political party affiliation is listed on ballots. It does not affect non-partisan offices or appointments made to fill vacancies.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's bill A688 lowers the time threshold for being classified as a "governmental affairs agent" from 20 hours to one hour per calendar year. This means individuals or organizations spending more than one hour communicating with lawmakers, the Governor, or executive staff to influence laws, regulations, or government processes must now register and report their activities. Previously, activities under 20 hours were exempt as "isolated, exceptional, or infrequent," but this change expands reporting requirements to cover a broader range of engagement. The bill directly affects lobbyists, advocacy groups, and employers who previously engaged in minimal government communication without disclosure obligations.

Maddy summaryACR 40 is a proposed constitutional amendment requiring New Jersey to fully fund two property tax relief programs for municipalities each year. It mandates that the state distribute the full amount of Energy Tax Relief Aid (based on the 2018 distribution level adjusted annually for inflation) and Consolidated Municipal Property Tax Relief Aid (based on the 2009 distribution level adjusted annually for inflation). This would prevent the state from diverting these funds to other state programs, as occurred in some past years when distributions fell short. The amendment would take effect starting July 1, 2019, for the state fiscal year beginning that date.

Maddy summaryACR 41 is a proposed constitutional amendment that would require New Jersey's Legislature to make all bills and joint resolutions available to the public on its website for at least seven full calendar days after the second reading and before the final vote. This would replace the current requirement of a one-day gap between the second and third readings. The amendment includes an exception allowing a final vote without the seven-day wait if three-fourths of a legislative chamber votes to classify the bill as an emergency measure. If approved by voters, this change would apply to all bills and joint resolutions subject to the three-readings process.

Maddy summaryAJR 29 designates neon yellow (Pantone 395) as New Jersey's official color to raise awareness of veteran suicide, referencing the statistic that 22 veterans die by suicide each day. The resolution takes immediate effect and aims to draw attention to existing mental health support programs for veterans, aligning with similar efforts in other states like Pennsylvania's "Vet 22" initiative. It does not create new programs or funding but serves as a symbolic state-level acknowledgment of veteran mental health challenges.