Sen. Shirley Turner

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes rules for how employers and public agencies in New Jersey can use artificial intelligence and electronic tools to monitor workers or make hiring decisions. It defines specific types of automated systems and monitoring devices, such as those that analyze biometric data or track employee communications, while excluding basic security software. The legislation requires that these technologies be used fairly and accurately, ensuring they do not negatively impact essential job functions or discriminate against individuals. Additionally, the bill mandates that independent auditors conduct objective assessments of these systems to verify their impact before they are deployed.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the sale, distribution, and manufacture of specific substances in commercial foods within two years and immediately bans certain artificial dyes in food served in New Jersey schools. It directly affects food manufacturers, retailers, and school districts by restricting the use of ingredients such as propylparaben, butylated hydroxyanisole, and six specific FD&C color additives. The legislation amends existing state laws to explicitly list these prohibited substances and requires schools to remove foods containing them from vending machines, snack bars, and other school property. Additionally, the bill reinforces current rules that prevent schools from serving items with sugar as the first ingredient or those containing trans fats.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey Senate concurrent resolution asks the President and Congress to remove special federal tax breaks currently given to oil and natural gas companies. The bill specifically targets provisions like expanded deductions for drilling costs, lower royalty rates, and increased carbon capture credits that were added in a recent federal act. By requesting the elimination of these incentives, the resolution aims to stop the estimated $15 to $30 billion in annual federal subsidies provided to highly profitable energy firms. The measure does not directly change state laws or impose new penalties but serves as a formal request for federal legislative action to create a more equitable tax system.

Maddy summarySCR 16 proposes adding a new constitutional provision to New Jersey's state constitution explicitly prohibiting slavery and involuntary servitude in all circumstances, including as punishment for a crime. This would directly affect all residents, particularly incarcerated individuals who currently perform mandatory, low-paid labor in state prisons. The amendment would ban forcing anyone to work against their will for the state's benefit - even if compensated - but would not prohibit voluntary work programs for inmates. It requires voter approval via referendum after legislative passage, as the current constitution lacks any such prohibition.

Maddy summaryThis bill, S 2996, eliminates physician collaboration requirements for advanced practice nurses (APNs) in New Jersey, allowing them to practice independently without supervision or joint protocols. It directly affects APNs - registered nurses with specialized training in primary and specialty care - and aims to improve healthcare access, particularly in underserved communities and for populations facing barriers like low income or transportation challenges. The key provision removes statutory restrictions that previously limited APNs' scope of practice, aligning New Jersey with 24 states that grant full practice authority. The bill cites pandemic-era waivers (Executive Order No. 112) that allowed similar independent practice without adverse incidents, and notes APNs could reduce healthcare access disparities by over 38% if restrictions are lifted.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill establishes the "Privacy Protection Act" to limit how government agencies and healthcare facilities collect and share certain personal information. It prohibits them from requesting details like immigration status, citizenship, social security numbers, or tax IDs unless necessary for specific public services, benefits, or healthcare delivery (with healthcare exceptions for patient safety). The bill requires written consent in the person's preferred language for sharing any collected data, detailing exactly what will be shared, why, and confirming consent is voluntary without retaliation. It also bans selling or sharing vehicle license plate data except under court orders, subpoenas, or with explicit written consent, and mandates government entities to update privacy policies within one year.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits New Jersey government entities and healthcare facilities from collecting or sharing certain personal information, including immigration status, citizenship, birthplace, Social Security numbers, and tax IDs, except when necessary to provide public services or benefits. It prevents these entities from disclosing such information publicly, except under specific legal circumstances like court orders, subpoenas, or when required for election eligibility. The bill also specifically restricts the sale or sharing of automated license plate recognition data collected by government agencies. These provisions aim to limit unnecessary data collection and protect individuals seeking public services or healthcare.

Maddy summaryThis bill, "Anthony Maruca’s Law," requires New Jersey law enforcement officers who have access to epinephrine auto-injectors to complete approved training on emergency administration. It allows police departments to provide these devices to officers for use during official duties, storing them in vehicles or medical kits per health department guidelines. The law directly affects officers employed by police departments and mandates certification of training completion for those using the devices. Key provisions include the training requirement and authorization for departments to maintain the injectors, with no new funding or cost mandates specified.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits sports wagering licensees (like casinos and online sportsbooks) in New Jersey from offering "micro bets," which are live wagers on the outcome of the very next play in a game (e.g., whether the next baseball pitch will be a strike). It directly affects businesses operating sports wagering services by requiring them to stop this specific betting type and establishes penalties for non-compliance. The key mechanism is a clear ban on micro bets, defined as proposition bets concerning the next immediate play during an ongoing event. The bill aims to address concerns about rapid betting contributing to problem gambling, as highlighted by rising helpline calls and studies on athlete gambling risks.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 1583 requires free cancer screenings every three years for volunteer firefighters through the State Health Benefits Program (SHBP) network. The screenings cover 11 specific cancers (including colon, lung, prostate, and breast) with no out-of-pocket costs for firefighters. Physicians providing these screenings can be reimbursed up to $1,250 per three-year period by the state, and fire districts must maintain records to facilitate payment. This extends an existing benefit for paid firefighters to volunteer firefighters, who previously did not have guaranteed access to such screenings.