Sen. Andrew Zwicker

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 1677 establishes a three-year pilot program enabling autonomous vehicle testers (including manufacturers, universities, and fleet operators) to test self-driving cars on public roads. Testers must register vehicles with the Motor Vehicle Commission, carry $5 million in liability insurance, and ensure licensed operators are seated in the driver's seat monitoring operations. A seven-member task force will oversee safety protocols, handle collision responses, gather public feedback, and coordinate with law enforcement on security guidelines throughout the program.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases annual funding for cancer research in New Jersey by directing $10 million in cigarette and tobacco tax revenues to the New Jersey Commission on Cancer Research (NJCCR), up from the current $1 million. It establishes a permanent, non-lapsing "Cancer Research Fund" in the state Treasury, ensuring these funds cannot be diverted to other state budgets. The fund must allocate at least $5 million annually to general cancer research and at least $5 million specifically to pediatric cancer research, with all spending requiring approval by the NJCCR. The State Treasurer manages the fund, and any interest earned is reinvested into the fund for ongoing research support.

Maddy summaryS 1659 requires construction permit applicants in New Jersey to disclose the anticipated funding sources and amounts for their projects. This applies to most construction projects, but excludes single-family homes, dwelling unit renovations/repairs, and small-scale alterations (e.g., to buildings with fewer than three units). Applicants must provide this funding information when applying for a permit and update it before receiving a certificate of occupancy. The bill directs the Commissioner of Community Affairs to create implementing rules within 180 days of enactment. It does not apply to residential renovations or single-family home projects as defined in the bill.

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 requires law enforcement to seize ammunition and specific firearm components when issuing domestic violence restraining orders or following certain firearm-related convictions. The legislation directly impacts individuals subject to these legal orders by mandating the removal of their remaining ammunition and parts to prevent future access to weapons. Key provisions define terms like "firearm" and "destructive device" while establishing the legal framework for confiscating these items during court proceedings. The bill aims to enhance public safety by ensuring that ammunition and critical parts are taken away whenever a person is legally restricted from owning a firearm.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill authorizes the Motor Vehicle Commission to issue special Juneteenth commemorative license plates to vehicle owners who apply for them. The plates will feature a specific design and slogan selected in consultation with the New Jersey Historical Commission, and applicants must pay a $50 fee plus an annual $10 renewal fee. All money collected from these fees will be placed in a special fund to support Juneteenth celebrations and programs managed by the Historical Commission, while a portion of the initial fees covers the cost of designing and producing the plates. If the cost to produce the plates exceeds the application fee for two years in a row, the program could be discontinued.

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 bill codifies New Jersey's Attorney General's "Strengthening Trust Between Law Enforcement and Immigrant Communities" directive into law. It directly affects all New Jersey state, county, and municipal law enforcement agencies and officers by prohibiting them from: (1) stopping or detaining people based solely on immigration status, (2) asking about immigration status except during specific criminal investigations, and (3) sharing personal information with federal immigration authorities for immigration enforcement purposes. The law clarifies that officers' primary duty is enforcing state criminal laws, not federal immigration law, and emphasizes that this does not prevent enforcing state criminal laws. The goal is to build trust in immigrant communities and ensure law enforcement resources focus on public safety rather than immigration enforcement.

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.