Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (S 479) allows defendants in real estate-related civil lawsuits to seek dismissal of a case with prejudice if the plaintiff fails to actively pursue the case after a prior notice (lis pendens) protecting property rights is removed. The notice is removed if the plaintiff didn’t prosecute the case diligently or couldn’t prove at a hearing that a favorable outcome was likely. After the notice is removed and the plaintiff still fails to move the case forward for six months, the defendant can formally request dismissal. This aims to protect property owners from prolonged, unfounded legal claims by providing a clearer path to end such cases. The law would apply immediately to all new cases and pending cases not yet resolved.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill requires the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) to provide all vehicle and licensing services - such as driver's licenses, registrations, and ID cards - in person at every MVC agency location, without requiring customers to complete these services online. It mandates that all locations offer walk-in service without appointments, reversing pandemic-era policies that split agencies into "licensing centers" or "vehicle centers" and forced online transactions or multiple trips. The bill directly affects New Jersey residents who use MVC services, ensuring they can access all needed services at their local agency without travel burdens. It takes effect four months after enactment, with MVC allowed to prepare in advance.
Maddy summaryS 495, the "New Jersey COVID-19 related Business Immunity Act," grants businesses immunity from lawsuits claiming injury or damage due to COVID-19 exposure on their premises or during business activities they manage. This immunity applies to employers (including corporations, partnerships, and business groups) and covers both employees and patrons, but excludes cases involving willful misconduct, reckless conduct, or intentional harm. The bill explicitly states this immunity operates alongside existing state and federal protections. It aims to reduce legal risks for businesses during the pandemic, though it does not affect claims based on gross negligence or intentional acts.
Maddy summaryThis bill (S 483) requires courts to make individuals pay for rescue operation costs when they are convicted of specific offenses. It applies if someone commits criminal mischief (like damaging property) while also being found guilty of reckless driving, careless driving, or operating a vehicle unsafely. Courts can order these individuals to cover the actual costs incurred by public entities - such as police, emergency medical services, or pet/property rescue - during the response. The bill directly affects people convicted under these combined offenses, ensuring public agencies can recover expenses from those whose actions caused the need for rescue.
Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (S 454) prohibits requiring individuals to show proof of a COVID-19 vaccine or asking about their vaccination status for 15 specific activities, including employment, education, healthcare, business access, and public venues. It directly affects residents, employees, students, and visitors who interact with businesses, schools, healthcare providers, or public spaces in New Jersey. The law makes it illegal to treat someone unfairly based on not receiving the vaccine or refusing to disclose their status, with violators facing $25,000 civil penalties plus attorney fees. The bill takes effect immediately upon passage.
Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey residents with E-ZPass accounts to deduct up to $1,000 annually from their state gross income tax for tolls paid on eligible toll roads, bridges, or tunnels in New Jersey or connecting to other states (like the Delaware River bridges). To qualify, the total E-ZPass tolls paid must exceed $1,000 in a year, and the deduction excludes fines, administrative fees, employer reimbursements, or tolls already deductible as business expenses. It applies to individuals and household members using vehicles on toll routes operated by entities like the Port Authority or Delaware River Joint Tollbridge Commission. The deduction takes effect for taxable years beginning January 1, 2020, and is available for all filing statuses.
Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 797 requires all mental health practitioners licensed under Title 45 - including clinical social workers, psychologists, counselors, and therapists - to complete four hours of suicide prevention training. New license applicants must complete this training before licensure, while currently licensed practitioners must complete it within one year of the bill's effective date and every six years thereafter. Approved training programs, covering suicide prevention, assessment, and management, must be submitted to the Division of Consumer Affairs for inclusion on an official list. This law applies directly to licensed mental health professionals practicing in New Jersey, mandating ongoing training to enhance clinical suicide prevention capabilities.
Maddy summaryThis bill (S 472) clarifies that residents of private homeowner communities and their authorized guests do not need a fishing license to fish in their community's private lake. It specifically defines a "private community lake" as a manmade, self-contained body of water owned by the community, under exclusive resident control, and maintained at their sole expense. The bill amends existing fishing law to explicitly state that such lakes are not considered "state waters" requiring a license, resolving ambiguity where the Division of Fish and Wildlife was not applying an existing exemption. This directly affects residents and guests of defined private communities (like homeowner associations or retirement communities) who fish in their own lakes.
Maddy summaryS 477 requires all newly-constructed grocery stores (including supermarkets and convenience stores) in New Jersey to install automatic standby generators capable of powering essential operations during power outages. The generators must provide sufficient electricity to continue selling food and basic necessities during normal business hours. Store owners would need to maintain and test these generators according to state regulations, which the Department of Community Affairs will establish. The bill aims to prevent disruptions in food access during emergencies, like those experienced during Hurricane Sandy.
Maddy summaryThis bill (S 486) increases fines for commercial vehicle operators who fail to display required markings. It raises penalties from $10 to $250 for a first offense, $500 for a second, and $1,000 for third or subsequent offenses. The law applies to commercial vehicles (excluding passenger cars and pharmacy delivery vehicles) that must visibly show the owner/lessee name and principal business municipality in 3-inch letters. Fines collected will fund state road repairs, but the core change is the significant increase in penalty amounts for non-compliance.