Maddy summaryThis bill (S 1514) creates criminal penalties for individuals who knowingly endanger children via social media or other electronic communication. It amends New Jersey law to specifically prohibit using electronic means (including social media platforms) to engage in conduct likely to harm a child’s physical, mental, or moral welfare, or to direct children into dangerous activities. Those with legal care responsibilities for the child face second-degree charges, while others face third-degree charges. The law explicitly excludes internet service providers protected under federal law (Section 230) from these penalties. It directly affects anyone using digital platforms to endanger children under 18, with penalties applying to distribution, possession, or storage of child sexual abuse material shared online.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill requires all New Jersey institutions of higher education to test every drinking water outlet (like fountains and faucets) for lead annually, beginning 90 days after the law takes effect. Institutions must report results to state education and environmental officials, post findings online, and notify students/faculty within 30 days of testing. If lead levels exceed EPA or state standards, schools must immediately close affected outlets, provide alternative water, and install certified lead-removing filters or treatment devices in all buildings containing lead pipes or fixtures. The law mandates these filters be maintained per manufacturer guidelines to ensure ongoing safety.
Maddy summaryS 1669 repeals a 1995 law (P.L.1995, c.63) that prohibited public colleges and universities in New Jersey from adding funds for legislative agents or organizations to student tuition bills. The repealed law had allowed optional fees for nonpartisan student groups influencing legislation only if approved by a student referendum, with specific disclosure requirements on tuition statements. This bill removes that restriction, meaning institutions could now potentially assess such fees on tuition without the prior referendum requirement. It directly affects public higher education institutions and student organizations seeking to engage in legislative advocacy. The repeal takes effect immediately upon enactment.
Maddy summaryS 1077, the "Incarcerated Women's Protection Act," requires New Jersey's Department of Corrections to implement gender-responsive policies for female inmates. It establishes a Division of Women's Services to address specific needs like trauma treatment, parenting support, and child reunification, while mandating doula services for pregnant incarcerated women and specialized training for staff on gender-responsive practices. The bill also creates a Prison Rape Elimination Act Compliance Unit and a Special Victim's Unit to investigate sexual misconduct allegations. These provisions directly affect all women incarcerated in New Jersey state facilities and their correctional staff. (Note: The bill was withdrawn on January 13, 2026, as it was incorporated into P.L.2025, c.305.)
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the "New Jersey Anti-Semitism Task Force" within the Department of State to research anti-Semitism and develop recommendations for addressing it. The permanent task force will consist of 18 members, including legislative leaders, representatives from Jewish organizations (like Hadassah and the Anti-Defamation League), law enforcement, and public appointees. It directly affects Jewish communities in New Jersey, where 200 anti-Semitic incidents were reported in 2018 (ranking the state third nationally), by focusing on research and policy solutions for hate crimes against Jewish people and institutions. The task force will operate under the state government to address rising anti-Semitism, as documented by FBI data showing Jewish-targeted attacks made up 58-60% of religious hate crimes in recent years.
Maddy summaryS 2494 creates a new crime called "fiscal victimization" targeting seniors (60+) and disabled individuals (with documented physical/mental impairments). It makes it illegal to commit theft or identity theft against these groups, with strict liability - defendants cannot claim they didn’t know the victim’s status. Penalties increase by one degree (e.g., from disorderly persons to fourth-degree crime) unless the underlying crime is a first-degree offense, which could lead to 10-30 years in prison. The law requires separate sentencing for both the theft and fiscal victimization charges, and the victimization charge is dismissed if the underlying theft is dropped.
Maddy summaryThis bill (S 671) requires most full-service restaurants (with 10+ seats) to stop providing single-use utensils or condiments to dine-in customers, instead offering reusable options that customers must return after use. Casual dining establishments may only provide these items if customers specifically request them, and online orders must default to "no utensils" unless requested. Exemptions include schools, hospitals, correctional facilities, and food courts (for two years), while pre-packaged items with attached utensils are also exempt. The bill also mandates the Environmental Protection Department to run an education campaign about reducing single-use items and imposes fines ($1,000 for second offense) for violations.
Maddy summaryThis bill updates New Jersey's domestic violence restraining order laws. It ensures that a restraining order remains effective even if the person who filed it (the plaintiff) dies, continuing protection for others named in the order. Prosecutors must also notify all protected individuals when a defendant charged with domestic violence is released from custody. These changes directly affect domestic violence victims, their families, and law enforcement handling these cases. The law aims to maintain safety protections without requiring new court proceedings after a plaintiff's death.
Maddy summaryS 1240 requires New Jersey Transit (NJT) to create a five-year pilot program providing free rides on all NJT rail, light rail, and bus services to people already eligible for NJT’s Access Link paratransit service (for individuals with disabilities). The program automatically enrolls eligible users, includes free rides for their personal assistants, and mandates staff training on accessibility. NJT must submit annual reports tracking ridership, satisfaction, and costs, with years 4-5 requiring analysis on potential permanent adoption. This directly affects approximately 25,000 Access Link users in New Jersey who qualify for the service under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Maddy summarySJR 29 makes permanent the "Commission to Protect New Jersey Inmates from Sexual Assault and Sexual Misconduct," which was previously established for a limited term. The bill creates a 17-member commission with legislative, state agency, and public representatives - including a former inmate, victims' advocate, and PREA expert - to examine safety issues in correctional facilities. Key duties include assessing compliance with the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA), reviewing how sexual assault allegations are reported and investigated, studying staffing ratios at Edna Mahan Correctional Facility for Women, and preventing retaliation against inmates who report misconduct. The commission must submit annual reports to the Governor and Legislature with findings and recommendations. This directly affects inmates in New Jersey's correctional facilities, particularly regarding their safety and access to fair investigations of misconduct by staff.