Sen. Shirley Turner

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 2311) extends the validity period of New Jersey's firearms purchaser identification cards from their current term to four years. It requires all applicants for these cards or handgun purchase permits to complete mandatory training before issuance. The bill also updates procedures for transferring firearms to heirs or legatees (though specific new procedures aren't detailed in the provided text). These changes directly affect New Jersey residents seeking firearm licenses or permits, as they alter application requirements and card validity. The legislation amends existing firearm regulations under N.J.S.2C:58-3.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (S 2626) clarifies that consent to being photographed, filmed, or recorded in intimate or sexual situations does not automatically allow sharing or disclosing those images. It requires separate, explicit consent for disclosure - meaning someone can consent to being photographed but still prohibit sharing the photo. The law directly affects individuals whose intimate images are captured without proper consent and those who share such images without separate permission. Key provisions define "disclose" broadly (including online sharing) and specify that consent for taking an image cannot be interpreted as consent for sharing it.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 1221, the "Protecting Against Forever Chemicals Act," bans intentionally added PFAS (perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, nicknamed "forever chemicals") in certain consumer products. Beginning two years after the law takes effect, it prohibits selling cosmetics containing PFAS (except for unavoidable trace impurities) and requires cookware manufacturers to inform consumers if PFAS is present. The law directly affects cosmetic brands, cookware producers, and retailers selling these items within the state. It also mandates state-funded research and educational programs about PFAS exposure risks. The bill aims to reduce human exposure to these chemicals, which accumulate in the environment and have been linked to health issues like cancer and developmental problems.

Maddy summaryS 278 requires all New Jersey police officers to complete cultural diversity and implicit bias training as part of their mandatory basic police training. The bill mandates that the Police Training Commission include state-developed training materials - defined to cover unconscious attitudes or stereotypes about people - into the curriculum for new officers. It also requires instructors at police training academies to undergo specialized training in cultural diversity and implicit bias to deliver this content. This applies to all municipal, county, campus, and state police departments across New Jersey.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (S 3001) requires payment processors (merchant acquirers) to use a specific industry code for firearms and ammunition businesses starting May 1, 2027. It defines "firearms merchants" as businesses in New Jersey where gun sales represent the highest revenue, and mandates that payment processors assign the standardized code established by the International Organization for Standardization. The Attorney General can enforce the law by imposing $10,000 civil penalties per violation, but businesses may avoid penalties by correcting issues within 30 days of notice. The law does not change gun sales regulations but affects how payment processing companies categorize firearm-related transactions.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires lead screenings for children aged six months to six years at specific intervals: between 9-18 months, 18-26 months, and immediately before school entry (starting 2024-2025). It directly affects young children, parents/guardians (who must provide screening documentation), healthcare providers (who must conduct screenings), and schools (which must verify results before enrolling pre-K or kindergarten students). Schools cannot admit children without proof of the required screening, and healthcare providers must document results in permanent health records and share them on school enrollment forms. The law updates existing screening schedules and mandates documentation to ensure early detection of lead exposure, a known health risk for young children.

Maddy summaryS 221 requires New Jersey's Commissioner of Banking and Insurance to investigate how auto insurance companies set rates for drivers with suspended licenses. The investigation will specifically examine whether premium increases are justified for license suspensions unrelated to driving (like traffic violations) and how credit scores and addresses factor into rate calculations. The commissioner must compare these practices and report findings to the Governor and Legislature within two years of starting the investigation. This bill does not change current insurance rules but mandates a review of industry practices affecting drivers with license suspensions. The investigation is prompted by a recommendation from the Motor Vehicles Affordability and Fairness Task Force.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health insurance carriers in New Jersey to create a 60-day special enrollment period when a provider leaves their network. It directly affects insured individuals who would lose access to their current healthcare providers due to a network change. The special period begins 60 days before the carrier-provider contract expires, giving enrollees time to switch plans. The Department of Banking and Insurance will determine how carriers notify affected individuals about this window. The law takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryS 2600 requires New Jersey's Secretary of State to annually re-examine and recertify all voting machines used in the state, and to conduct a new recertification whenever software modifications are made to the machines. This directly affects all local election officials and voting machine vendors operating in New Jersey by mandating regular verification before each election. The bill specifies that the Secretary must develop pre-election tests and checklists to confirm machines accurately record and tabulate votes. These requirements aim to ensure ongoing reliability of voting technology without altering election procedures. The bill does not change existing approval processes for new machines but adds mandatory ongoing checks.

Maddy summaryThis bill raises New Jersey's minimum age for obtaining a firearms purchaser identification card from 18 to 21 years old. It directly affects 18- to 20-year-olds who would no longer be eligible to purchase firearms without a license under this law. The key change amends existing statute N.J.S.2C:58-3 to require applicants to be 21 or older for this permit, maintaining the current background check process for firearm transactions. The bill does not alter background check requirements or exceptions for immediate family, law enforcement, or collectors.