Sen. Andrew Zwicker

Maddy summaryS 1651 requires New Jersey courts to advise domestic violence victims about counseling services for children exposed to violence in their households. It establishes a legal presumption that custody should be awarded to the domestic violence victim in appropriate cases, shifting the default in custody decisions. Key mechanisms include mandating court referrals to counseling services for affected children and requiring judges to consider the victim's safety when making custody rulings. The bill amends existing domestic violence procedures (P.L.1991, c.261) to prioritize victim safety and child well-being without adding new criminal penalties.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 1674) prohibits public libraries in New Jersey from entering contracts with publishers or distributors that include specific restrictive terms for digital books and audiobooks. It blocks provisions that would limit libraries’ ability to: loan materials to patrons, set loan periods, make preservation copies, use digital security tools, or share contract terms with other libraries or the state. Violations are treated as consumer fraud under New Jersey law, and contracts containing banned terms are unenforceable. The law applies only to new contracts signed after its effective date, leaving existing agreements unaffected.

Maddy summaryThis bill makes it a crime to disclose someone's personal information without consent when it creates a risk of physical harm, stalking, or severe emotional distress. It specifically targets disclosures that cause a "close relation" (like family, household members, or close associates) to fear for their safety or experience mental anguish. Exceptions include reporting suspected crimes to police or sharing information about public officials' misconduct in good faith. Violations are punishable as a fourth-degree crime (up to 18 months in jail or $10,000 fine), with harsher penalties if injury or stalking occurs.

Maddy summaryThis bill restricts where new crematories can be built in New Jersey. It prohibits construction within 1,000 feet of public or private schools, residential zones, or parks/playgrounds, recreation areas, beaches, or similar properties. The New Jersey Cemetery Board cannot approve new crematory construction meeting these proximity criteria after January 1, 2025. The law takes effect immediately but applies retroactively to January 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 2171 prohibits state government from entering contracts or providing benefits to businesses linked to Azerbaijan due to human rights concerns, specifically targeting entities associated with the detention of Dr. Gubad Ibadoghlu, a critic of the Azerbaijani government. The bill requires the Department of the Treasury to create and maintain a public list of businesses engaged in prohibited activities (defined as supporting human rights violations), with notice and appeal rights for businesses before listing. State agencies must verify that businesses seeking contracts, subsidies, tax benefits, or certifications are not on this list, and false certifications can trigger fines, contract termination, or three-year ineligibility. The law aims to align New Jersey's procurement practices with its existing policies banning dealings with entities tied to human rights abuses.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a property tax exemption for New Jersey veterans with service-connected disabilities, calculated proportionally to their disability rating (e.g., 50% disability = 50% exemption). It directly affects veterans declared by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to have a service-connected disability of at least 30% (or deemed unemployable due to such disability), and their surviving spouses under specific conditions. The state will reimburse municipalities 102% of the tax revenue lost from these exemptions, with a $10,000 cap for partial exemptions (below 100% disability).

Maddy summaryS 1626 establishes the Department of Commerce and Innovation as a new principal department within New Jersey's Executive Branch to centralize and coordinate state economic development efforts. The bill directly affects state government operations by consolidating scattered business assistance programs currently managed across multiple agencies (like the Department of State and Economic Development Authority) into one department. Key provisions include creating a Commissioner appointed by the Governor (with Senate approval), centralizing functions like business support and innovation policy, and appropriating $1 million for the department's initial operations. This aims to streamline services for businesses seeking state assistance and improve New Jersey's competitiveness in business and innovation.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 2708) revises New Jersey's foreclosure sale procedures to better protect homeowners and nonprofit community development corporations. It requires sheriffs to hold sales within 150 days, sets strict rules for notifying buyers about "upset prices" (with a 3% maximum increase), and prohibits lenders from delaying sales when nonprofits or homeowners intend to participate. Key provisions include a reduced 3.5% deposit requirement for qualifying buyers (such as nonprofits, tenants, or homeowners who will occupy the property for 84+ months) and mandates that lenders disclose property occupancy status before sale. These changes directly affect sheriffs conducting sales, lenders initiating foreclosures, homeowners facing eviction, and nonprofit community development corporations seeking to preserve affordable housing.

Maddy summaryThis bill would change how New Jersey voters cast ballots for president by implementing ranked-choice voting in both presidential primaries and the general election for presidential electors. Voters would rank candidates in order of preference (e.g., 1st, 2nd, 3rd), and ballots would be counted in rounds: if no candidate reaches 50%+1 votes in the first count, the candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated, and their ballots are redistributed to the next ranked choice until one candidate achieves the threshold. The bill requires ballots to allow ranking at least six candidates and directs the Secretary of State to create implementation guidelines. It would take effect immediately but remain inactive until voting machines are certified to support the new system, likely requiring a 12-month delay after certification.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 1628) prohibits New Jersey's state pension and annuity funds from investing in companies involved in producing or maintaining nuclear weapons. It requires the state to sell all such investments within two years of the law taking effect, with annual reports tracking progress. The law applies specifically to funds managed by the Division of Investment under the Department of the Treasury. The bill mandates the State Investment Council to identify affected companies and report annually to state officials on divestment efforts. It is currently pending in the Senate.