Sen. Vin Gopal

Maddy summaryThis bill reduces the required percentage of funds that municipal tourist development commissions must spend on advertising outside their municipality from 50% to 20%. It directly affects these commissions across New Jersey, which manage tourism promotion funds for their communities. The bill clarifies that "advertising outside the municipality" includes any ads targeting people who work or live outside the town (even if the ad also reaches locals), as long as it encourages them to visit local tourist spots. The change simplifies compliance while ensuring a minimum portion of funds is used for out-of-town marketing. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 2034, the "Pet Insurance Act," establishes clear rules for pet insurance policies sold in the state. It requires insurers to define key terms like "preexisting condition" and "hereditary disorder" in policies and disclose specific exclusions (e.g., for genetic conditions or chronic illnesses) using plain language. The bill mandates a 30-day "free look" period, allowing pet owners to return policies for a full refund if unsatisfied, and requires clear disclosure of coverage limits, deductibles, and how claims history might affect premiums. This directly affects pet insurance companies operating in New Jersey and the pet owners purchasing these policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Community Affairs (DCA) to allow licensed plumbing, electrical, and HVAC contractors to submit subcode application materials (like shop drawings and compliance calculations) electronically instead of physically. It specifically prohibits DCA from requiring physical seals or signatures on these contractors' subcode forms or on physical plans displayed at construction sites. The bill applies only to documents related to these contractors' specific disciplines (electrical, fire protection, or energy subcodes), not to general construction permits. This changes existing requirements to enable digital submissions while maintaining the same submission content and approval standards.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey's local government budget processes by extending key deadlines for municipal and county budget submissions, approvals, and audits. It increases penalties for non-compliance with budget requirements from $25 to $100 per day and establishes a 90-day deadline for filling vacancies in key budget-related roles like chief financial officer and tax collector. The bill also increases the allowable temporary budget amount for calendar-year municipalities from 26.25% to 35% of prior year's appropriations. These changes apply to all New Jersey municipalities and counties operating under calendar fiscal years.

Maddy summaryS 4337 allows New Jersey adults (18+), emancipated minors, or their authorized representatives (like parents or legal guardians) to create a written directive stating they do not want opioids administered or prescribed. The directive must use a form developed by the New Jersey Department of Health and can be revoked anytime. Health care providers are protected from liability or disciplinary action if they follow the directive in good faith, though opioids may still be prescribed if medically necessary. This bill establishes a simple, accessible system for patient choice regarding opioid use.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey bill S 2038 requires public four-year colleges to post on their websites the average time students take to earn each bachelor's degree (from initial enrollment to graduation). County colleges must post a student outcome measure determined by the Higher Education Secretary for each associate degree. Additionally, all public institutions must publicly post annual fiscal reports, audits, and a clear summary of this financial data on their websites. The law aims to increase transparency about student outcomes and institutional finances for the public. The bill is currently pending in the Assembly after passing the Senate unanimously.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires transportation network company drivers (like those for Uber or Lyft) in New Jersey to complete a state-approved anti-human trafficking training course within 90 days of joining or being reapproved. The training, which can be taken online, covers human trafficking definitions, drivers' role in recognizing and reporting it, and how to report suspected cases. Drivers must certify completion to their company, and companies must track this in driver records while protecting the data from public disclosure under open records laws. The law applies to all drivers of these companies, both new applicants and existing drivers.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Attorney General to create a crowd management training program for municipal police departments that have hosted two or more large gatherings (over 500 people) or experienced flash mobs (50+ people organized via social media without advance notice) in the past year. The training covers techniques for managing crowds, juvenile interactions, social media monitoring, and coordination with neighboring agencies. Participating departments also gain access to social media monitoring tools, mobile command units, and additional State Police support during large events or flash mobs. The program aims to improve public safety response during unannounced gatherings that impact community safety.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 2511 prohibits pet shops from selling cats, dogs, or rabbits, repealing the previous "Pet Purchase Protection Act." Pet shops may still sell other animals, pet supplies, or collaborate with shelters to showcase adoptable animals without exchanging payment. Violating this prohibition would result in a $500 fine per violation. The bill also prohibits shelters, rescues, and pet shops from obtaining animals from breeders or brokers in exchange for payment, and defines "unfit for purchase" for animals sold by breeders or brokers.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies eligibility rules for New Jersey's state small business set-aside program, which helps direct state contracts to qualifying small businesses. It changes how gross revenue is calculated for eligibility: businesses must now use a five-year average (instead of three years) of revenue, with specific formulas for newer businesses or those with short fiscal years. The bill also clarifies that employee count requirements apply only to businesses without an applicable federal revenue standard. These changes directly affect businesses seeking state contracts under the set-aside program.