Sen. Joe Cryan

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the sale of ammunition through vending machines that dispense items directly to consumers after payment. It directly affects businesses operating such machines and anyone attempting to purchase ammunition this way. The law defines "vending machine" broadly as any device accepting payment to deliver items, and violations are classified as fourth-degree crimes punishable by up to 18 months in prison or a $10,000 fine. The prohibition applies to all ammunition covered under existing New Jersey law (C.2C:58-3.3) and takes immediate effect.

Maddy summaryS 1569 creates tax benefits for New Jersey taxpayers aged 18-71 who contribute to "lifelong learning accounts" designed for education expenses. It excludes up to $2,500 in annual employer contributions and account earnings from gross income, and provides a 50% tax credit (up to $500) for individual contributions. Distributions used for qualified education expenses (like tuition, books, or training courses) remain tax-free, while non-qualified withdrawals incur a 5% penalty. The bill defines strict account rules, including annual contribution limits, prohibitions on investments in life insurance or collectibles, and requirements for account administration.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 2266 bans the use of regulated perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in menstrual products sold within the state. The bill defines menstrual products broadly to include tampons, pads, cups, and underwear (both disposable and reusable), and prohibits manufacturers from selling products containing intentionally added PFAS or PFAS above trace levels. It requires the Department of Environmental Protection to establish a testing system using approved labs, with results shared with the Department of Health, and violations would trigger penalties under the Consumer Fraud Act. This policy directly affects manufacturers distributing menstrual products in New Jersey, aiming to eliminate specific chemicals from these products.

Maddy summarySR 53 is a ceremonial resolution honoring the late Congressman William J. Pascrell, Jr., who served New Jersey for 36 years in state and federal office. It specifically recognizes his founding role in the Congressional Brain Injury Task Force, which advocates for research, treatment, and policy support for traumatic and acquired brain injuries (TBI/ABI). The resolution urges New Jersey's current and future U.S. congressional representatives to join and actively support this bipartisan task force. It does not create new laws or funding but formally acknowledges Pascrell's legacy and encourages continued advocacy for brain injury awareness and research.

Maddy summaryThis bill eliminates legal immunity for New Jersey prosecutors who fail to disclose evidence that could help a defendant (exculpatory evidence) in criminal cases, as required by state guidelines based on federal court rulings. It directly affects state, county, and municipal prosecutors, as well as defendants who were denied such evidence. Key mechanisms include requiring courts to notify ethics officials within 24 hours of a violation, allowing victims to sue prosecutors and their employers for damages, and removing immunity for these failures. The law also mandates that courts award attorney fees to successful plaintiffs and specifies that prosecutors must follow clear disclosure standards set by the Attorney General.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey public school districts to appoint a licensed mental health specialist for student-athletes participating in interscholastic or intramural sports programs. The specialist must conduct three annual mental health screenings per season (more for multi-sport athletes), provide weekly support for injured athletes, and develop a district-wide mental health policy. Schools must collect aggregated, non-identifiable data from screenings and submit it to the state department annually. Parental consent is required for screenings, and students without consent cannot participate in sports. The bill also creates a state mental health registry for aggregated data and makes funding available for implementation. (Introduced January 13, 2026; pending in Senate Education Committee)

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey state-chartered banks, credit unions, and other financial institutions supervised by the Banking Commissioner to hold extra reserves equal to five times their previous year's total losses from theft, fraud, cyber theft, or robbery (including related damages). Institutions must annually audit these losses and report findings to the Banking Commissioner to verify sufficient funds are available to reimburse affected customers during investigations. The law applies specifically to all financial institutions organized under New Jersey law, not state-chartered entities. It will take effect one year after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires employers in New Jersey to provide written information about an applicant's eligibility for family, medical, and disability leave benefits at the time of a job offer. It directly affects job applicants by disclosing whether they would qualify for specific leave types under state or federal law (including the Family Leave Act, FMLA, and disability benefits) and, if ineligible, the reason for ineligibility. Employers must also direct applicants to a state webpage with further leave information. Failure to comply results in a $500 civil penalty per violation. The law aims to ensure transparency about future workplace benefits during the hiring process.

Maddy summaryThis proposed constitutional amendment (SCR 31) would allow New Jersey's Legislature to establish slot machine gambling at horse racetracks without requiring voter approval. If approved, revenues from these slots would be dedicated to fund state retirement systems, support casinos, improve Atlantic City, and benefit horse racing operations. The amendment specifically targets existing constitutional barriers to gambling by creating an exception for racetrack slot machines under legislative authority. This change would directly affect horse racetracks, state retirement programs, Atlantic City economic development, and casino operators.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits landlords in New Jersey from charging tenants or applicants additional fees, rent, or security deposits for keeping pets in residential rental units. Landlords may not require pet-related fees in leases or applications and may only charge a single, refundable pet security deposit of up to $500 (included within the existing security deposit limit). Tenants who face violations can seek court termination of the lease or sue for $1,000 per violation plus attorney fees. The law applies to all residential rentals (excluding hotels/motels) and directly affects renters, applicants, and landlords.