Sen. Mike Testa

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (S 1336) requires large social media platforms (with $100M+ annual revenue or 100M+ global monthly users) to follow specific content moderation rules and allows users to sue if these rules are violated. Platforms must publicly share their content moderation standards, notify users before removing content or banning accounts, and let users opt out of algorithm-driven content sorting. The bill specifically prohibits platforms from suppressing content from political candidates during election periods (from qualification to election day) and protects journalistic enterprises from censorship based on content. Violations would allow users to file legal claims under New Jersey’s consumer fraud law.

Maddy summaryS 1377 requires New Jersey municipalities, counties, and other political subdivisions to obtain pre-approval from the Secretary of State before entering into or ratifying any "sister city" or international partnership agreement with a foreign entity. The bill mandates that the Secretary of State verify the foreign entity's legitimacy and reputation through the newly established Office of Community Pairing Review. This policy directly affects all New Jersey local governments seeking international partnerships, aiming to prevent agreements like Newark's recent pact with a fictitious foreign city led by a criminal. The law takes immediate effect and is framed as a due diligence measure to protect the state from future diplomatic or reputational harm.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 1372) updates New Jersey's laws regarding underage possession or consumption of alcohol or cannabis in public spaces like schools, vehicles, or public venues. It affects anyone under the legal purchase age (21) who is caught in these locations, with a three-tiered approach: first violations get a written warning with parental notification for minors, second violations include community service referrals, and third violations require referrals to social services (counseling, mentoring, etc.) for both the minor and their guardian. The bill explicitly prohibits fines, arrests, or legal action for refusing these services and bans law enforcement from using the smell of alcohol/cannabis as grounds for stops or searches. It focuses on referrals to support services rather than punishment.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (S 1369) strengthens penalties for gang recruitment and related offenses. It creates new mandatory minimum prison sentences: 5 years without parole for causing serious injury during recruitment, and 7 years without parole for targeting minors. The law holds recruiters legally accountable as "accomplices" for crimes committed by recruits they helped join gangs, and adds stricter penalties for threats on school property or while a person is in detention. It directly affects individuals who recruit others into gangs, particularly those targeting minors or committing violence during recruitment efforts.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates the Monday of Manufacturing Week (the first week of October) as "Women in Manufacturing Day" in New Jersey. It amends existing law to formally recognize this day, requesting the Governor issue an annual proclamation encouraging public and private observance. The bill highlights that women comprise one-third of New Jersey's manufacturing workforce and 25% of leadership roles, aiming to celebrate their historical and ongoing contributions to the state's manufacturing industry.

Maddy summaryThis bill revises definitions related to unemployment benefits calculations, not employment classification. The provided text defines terms like "annual payroll," "average annual payroll," and "base year" for determining eligibility and benefit amounts under New Jersey's unemployment insurance program. It specifies how employers' payroll data is averaged and how benefit years are calculated, including special rules for individuals recovering from disability. The bill does not address whether workers are classified as employees or independent contractors, which contradicts its title. The actual focus is on administrative procedures for unemployment benefits, as shown in the defined terms.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 2090) updates rules for telemedicine and telehealth providers regarding emergency care referrals. It requires telehealth providers to make a "good faith effort" to coordinate with emergency services during remote visits, including sharing the patient's location and contact details with emergency responders. Providers must also refer patients to in-person care when needed, document emergencies, and report suicide attempts during telehealth sessions per privacy laws. These changes apply directly to telemedicine providers and patients receiving remote health services in New Jersey.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 847 requires mail-in ballot envelopes to display a "Do Not Forward" label and return instructions for voters receiving ballots at outdated addresses. It allows voters to "cure" ballots with missing or detached certificates by submitting corrections within a specified timeframe. The bill also mandates that county clerks enter voter data related to returned ballots into official records within 30 days of receipt. These changes aim to streamline mail-in ballot processing and reduce rejection rates for eligible voters.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 49) urges the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and the federal Bureau of Ocean Energy Management to immediately pause sonar testing and wind turbine mapping activities off New Jersey's coast. It follows a surge in unexplained marine mammal deaths - 12 whale deaths (including 8 humpbacks) and 5 dolphin deaths in February 2023 - occurring near offshore wind energy development zones. The resolution cites concerns that sonar and underwater mapping used in these projects may disrupt marine mammals' navigation and communication, warranting a temporary halt for scientific study. As a non-binding resolution, it does not impose legal restrictions but requests agencies consider a moratorium while investigating potential links to the marine life deaths.

Maddy summarySJR 42 establishes a seven-member Commission on Apprenticeship Program Promotion to study how to better market apprenticeship programs to high school students. The commission includes the Labor and Education Commissioners (ex-officio), legislative leaders, the Governor, and required representatives from community colleges, manufacturing, and labor unions. It will examine effective ways to showcase the skills, education, and economic opportunities tied to apprenticeships - particularly registered programs meeting U.S. Department of Labor standards. The commission must issue a report to the Governor and Legislature within one year of its formation, after which it will dissolve. This is a procedural resolution focused on research, not new policy or funding.