Sen. Declan O'Scanlon

Maddy summaryThis bill increases criminal penalties for identity theft when the victim is a senior citizen (62+ years old) or a veteran. It amends New Jersey law to elevate the severity of identity theft offenses targeting these groups: a first offense against a senior or veteran becomes a third-degree crime (instead of fourth-degree), and repeat offenses become second-degree crimes. The bill specifically defines "senior citizen" and "veteran" for legal clarity and ensures penalties rise based on victim status, regardless of the financial amount stolen. It directly affects seniors and veterans who are victims of identity theft, making such crimes punishable more severely.

Maddy summaryThis bill strengthens New Jersey's human trafficking law by increasing penalties for traffickers. It defines trafficking more broadly (including holding people for sexual activity or labor through threats, fraud, or document confiscation) and makes violations a first-degree crime punishable by 20 years to life in prison with no parole eligibility for the first 20 years. Perpetrators must pay restitution to victims based on New Jersey's prevailing wage laws or federal standards, and fines will fund a new "Human Trafficking Survivor's Assistance Fund." The law directly affects traffickers facing harsher sentences, victims receiving restitution, and agencies managing the survivor fund.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the "Jersey Craft Beverage Retailer Promotion and Grant Program" to boost sales of New Jersey-made craft alcoholic beverages. It directly affects craft beverage producers (with limited brewery, cidery, or distillery licenses) and retailers holding specific retail licenses who sell their products. The program will run advertising campaigns, create a "Certified Jersey Craft Alcohol Beverage Retailer" signage program, and offer grants up to $2,500 annually for eligible retailers to improve displays or promotions. Funding comes from 50% of tax revenue on craft beverage sales, managed through a dedicated fund established by the Economic Development Authority.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows sellers of real estate valued over $1 million to request refunds for excess transfer fees paid above 1% of the sale price, if their sales contract was fully signed before July 10, 2025. It removes the current requirement that deeds must be recorded by November 15, 2025 to qualify for a refund, making the refund available regardless of when the deed is recorded. Sellers must file a refund claim with the New Jersey Division of Taxation within one year of the deed's recording, providing required documentation. The change applies retroactively to July 10, 2025, directly affecting sellers who executed pre-July 10 contracts but paid higher-tier fees under the existing system.

Maddy summarySCR 138 is a legislative resolution (not a bill) declaring that proposed Department of Labor rules modifying New Jersey's ABC test for worker classification are inconsistent with the Legislature's intent. The ABC test, established in unemployment law, determines if a worker is an employee or independent contractor based on three standards: lack of employer control, services outside the business's usual course, and independent trade status. The proposed rules (N.J.A.C. 12:11) would wrongly treat standard business practices - like requiring digital apps or liability insurance - as evidence of employer control, and limit independent contractor options for transportation network company drivers. The resolution gives the Department 30 days to amend the rules or faces potential invalidation by the Legislature.

Maddy summaryS 4815 amends New Jersey's Consumer Fraud Act to set specific requirements for consumers seeking damages. To bring a claim, a person must prove they acted as a reasonable consumer would, that the alleged practice would mislead a reasonable consumer, and that they suffered actual damages supported by objective evidence. The bill also limits attorney fees, requiring them to bear a reasonable relationship to the monetary judgment or be based on time expended for non-monetary relief. These changes apply retroactively to all pending or filed cases.

Maddy summaryS4700 requires that medication administered in day programs or community-based residential facilities (like group homes and supervised apartments for individuals with developmental disabilities) must be given by a nurse or a certified medication aide working under a nurse's direct supervision. It mandates that parents or legal guardians provide specific medical documentation detailing medication instructions and dosages to the facility's chief nurse for any resident needing such medication management - both at admission and whenever medication changes occur. The bill defines key terms like "community-based residential program" and "day program" to clarify which facilities and services are covered. These requirements apply directly to residential facilities, their staff, and guardians of residents requiring medication assistance.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires landlords in New Jersey to disclose lead drinking water hazards to tenants before lease agreements, including information about lead service lines, building construction dates (pre-1986 properties may contain lead), and recent lead exceedance notices. Landlords must provide a standardized disclosure statement within 90 days of the bill's effective date, with exemptions for newer buildings (post-1986), lead-safe properties, and seasonal rentals. Tenants can request free lead testing from water systems, which must test annually upon request (or every 60 days if lead levels exceed standards), and landlords cannot obstruct replacement of lead service lines - tenants may terminate leases without penalty if obstruction occurs. Violations carry fines up to $1,000 for repeated non-compliance.

Maddy summaryS 3944 allows New Jersey nonprofit theaters to obtain special alcohol licenses by clarifying that "disregarded entities" (like single-member LLCs treated as part of their parent nonprofit for tax purposes) qualify for these licenses. It applies to art-house movie theaters or performing arts venues with seating capacities of 50-1,000 people (for smaller venues) or 1,000+ people (for larger venues), operated by tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organizations. The license permits alcohol sales during specified times: two hours before, during, and two hours after performances (with a 15-performance annual limit for smaller venues). This change directly affects nonprofit theaters seeking to sell alcohol to support their operations, without counting toward other liquor license limits. The bill clarifies existing law to expand eligibility for these specialized licenses.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's A3974 prohibits substance use disorder treatment providers from using deceptive marketing practices. The bill requires all advertising to include accurate, plain-language details about services, locations, and contact information (including phone numbers and addresses), and bans false claims about network status, geographic location, or affiliations with other providers without written consent. Violations carry civil penalties up to $20,000 per incident, and affected individuals may sue for triple damages plus attorney fees. This directly affects licensed treatment facilities, certified providers, and recovery residences offering substance use disorder services within the state.