Maddy summaryS 1318 establishes the New Jersey Innocence Study and Review Commission to examine wrongful convictions in the state. The 9-member commission, appointed within 45 days (including a retired judge as chair and balanced legislative appointees), will study causes of wrongful convictions, review cases, assess restitution systems, and recommend reforms - including creating a permanent innocence review panel for incarcerated individuals to seek conviction reviews. The commission must report its findings and legislative recommendations to the Governor and Legislature within 18 months. This bill directly affects the state's criminal justice system and wrongfully convicted individuals by creating a formal process to prevent future errors.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 1218, the "Invasive Species Management Act," bans the sale, distribution, import, export, and propagation of 31 specific invasive plant species (like English ivy, Japanese barberry, and purple loosestrife) starting 13-49 months after enactment. It directly affects nurseries, gardeners, landscapers, and anyone selling or propagating these plants, requiring conditional use waivers for limited exceptions. The bill establishes the New Jersey Invasive Species Council to advise state agencies on management and mandates labeling for exempted cultivars (e.g., certain Japanese barberry varieties) with educational materials. Key provisions include phased implementation of bans and funding for state departments to control invasive species, aiming to protect ecosystems and natural resources from economic and environmental harm.
Maddy summaryThis bill limits out-of-pocket costs for asthma inhalers under New Jersey health insurance plans. It requires hospital, medical, and health service plans sold in the state to cover prescribed asthma inhalers with no deductible and capping copayments or coinsurance at $35 per 30-day supply. The law applies to all covered individuals who receive a prescription from a participating doctor or nurse practitioner. Plans may offer lower costs but cannot exceed the $35 limit for this specific coverage.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires specialized training for judges, court staff, law enforcement, and prosecutors handling domestic violence and child abuse cases in custody disputes. It mandates 20 hours of initial training and 15 hours every five years for judges and court personnel on topics including domestic violence dynamics, child trauma, racial bias impacts, safety planning, and evidence-based child abuse research. Law enforcement must complete annual training on domestic violence response, while judges handling custody cases receive specific instruction on restraining orders, child custody arrangements, and risk assessment. The training aims to improve how the court system addresses child safety in cases involving domestic violence or abuse. The bill does not change custody laws but focuses on equipping officials with updated knowledge and tools.
Maddy summaryThis bill proposes creating a Deep Fake Technology Unit within New Jersey's Department of Law and Public Safety to address AI-generated deceptive videos and audio. The unit will provide law enforcement, prosecutors, and courts with technical training, evidence analysis, and expert testimony to investigate "deep fakes" - manipulated media designed to falsely depict people speaking or acting. It requires the unit to issue annual reports detailing its work, technological trends in deep fake creation, and policy recommendations. The bill appropriates $2 million from the state budget to fund the unit's operations, which would be established within six months of enactment. The bill is currently pending before the Senate Law and Public Safety Committee.
Maddy summaryS 2580 requires licensed healthcare providers (including doctors, nurses, and midwives) to conduct regular screenings for intimate partner violence during patient visits, using private settings or telehealth options. If abuse is suspected, providers must document findings, immediately provide patients with local resources and referrals, and ensure patients reapprove who can access their medical records - preventing perpetrators from obtaining copies. This directly affects healthcare facilities and patients experiencing abuse by current or former partners. Key provisions include mandatory screening documentation, resource lists maintained by state departments, and same-visit interventions to protect victims' medical privacy.
Maddy summaryS 261 requires county prosecutors to notify New Jersey's Office of Public Integrity and Accountability (OPIA) before investigating misconduct allegations against state, county, or municipal law enforcement officers. The OPIA must then supervise these investigations to ensure objectivity. The Attorney General can also take over any such investigation if they determine it serves the state's interests. This bill establishes a formal oversight process for officer misconduct cases without changing criminal laws.
Maddy summaryS 2879 creates a 13-member "School Finance Reform Commission" to study and recommend improvements to New Jersey's school funding system. The commission, including the Education Commissioner and appointed members from legislative leaders and the Governor, will specifically examine school district property tax levies and how local share calculations affect equalization aid allocations. It must submit a report with findings and recommendations to the Governor and Legislature within one year of forming, and the bill expires 30 days after the report is issued. This bill directly affects school districts and state education funding policies through its mandated study and recommendations.
Maddy summaryThis bill (S 2876) requires New Jersey state agencies to automatically enroll eligible households into ongoing utility bill assistance programs. It directs the Department of Human Services and Treasury to share information about recipients of needs-based programs (like Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, SNAP, and Supplemental Security Income) with agencies managing utility assistance (such as the Winter/Spring Termination Programs). Agencies must then automatically enroll qualifying households into programs like the Universal Service Fund, without requiring separate applications. The bill was withdrawn on January 13, 2026, as it was incorporated into an already-approved law (P.L.2025, c.387).
Maddy summaryThis bill (S 1643) allows New Jersey municipalities and school boards to adopt ranked-choice voting for local elections through voter referendum or local ordinance. It permits communities to choose ranked-choice voting for mayoral, council, or school board races - using instant runoff for single seats (like mayor) or single transferable vote for multiple seats (like council). Voters would need to approve the change via referendum, requiring signatures from at least 10% of voters who participated in the last General Assembly election. The bill defines key terms like "exhausted ballot" and voting thresholds but does not mandate ranked-choice voting statewide. It is currently pending in the Senate (introduced January 2026).