Sen. Joe Cryan

Maddy summaryThis bill bans landlords and housing programs from using credit scores or credit reports to evaluate applicants for affordable housing. It directly affects low- and moderate-income households seeking subsidized housing or units restricted to such households. Instead of relying on credit scores, it requires individualized assessments of applicants' ability to pay rent based on income relative to rent (2x or 2.5x rent, depending on subsidy type). The law aims to prevent discriminatory rejections that disproportionately impact people of color, disabled individuals, and others facing systemic barriers.

Maddy summaryThis bill mandates the collection of DNA samples from individuals convicted of serious violent crimes, including sexual assaults, murders, and kidnappings, as well as from juveniles and those found not guilty by reason of insanity for similar offenses. The law requires that biological samples be taken from those sentenced to prison at the start of their confinement and from those released from custody after being arrested for these crimes. Additionally, it applies to juveniles adjudicated delinquent for serious offenses and requires DNA collection from individuals found not guilty by reason of insanity for such acts. These provisions aim to expand the state's DNA database by ensuring samples are gathered from a broader range of defendants involved in severe criminal activities.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a $500 million grant program within the Department of Education to help school districts improve air quality and energy efficiency in their buildings. The funds are specifically designated for repairing, maintaining, or upgrading heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, with a requirement that new systems meet specific ventilation and filtration standards. Priority for these grants is given to districts serving underserved communities where at least half of the students qualify for free or reduced-price school meals. Each district must secure its own local funding before receiving state money, and the grants will cover up to 75 percent of eligible project costs.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires businesses in New Jersey that receive financial aid from the Economic Development Authority to stop paying employees of different genders different rates for similar work. To comply, these companies must follow new rules and submit written proof to the Authority verifying they do not discriminate based on sex in their pay or benefits. The law specifically defines gender discrimination as paying one gender less than the other for jobs requiring similar skill, effort, and responsibility. It applies to various business types, including corporations, partnerships, and non-profits, that accept loans, grants, or tax incentives from the state agency.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill prohibits military officers and federal employees from deploying armed forces at polling places or using their official authority to interfere with elections, unless such actions are necessary to repel an armed enemy. It makes it a third-degree crime for armed forces personnel to set voter qualifications, intimidate voters, compel election officers to accept invalid votes, or impose election rules that differ from state laws. The legislation also extends these protections to federal and state employees who use their positions to influence elections, while explicitly allowing law enforcement to remain near polling sites as currently permitted. Additionally, the bill empowers election officers and the Attorney General to file lawsuits to stop violations and ensures that anyone harmed by these actions can seek legal relief and recover legal fees.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits large online retailers, airlines, ticket brokers, and ride-sharing companies in New Jersey from using a consumer's personal data to set individualized prices. Specifically, it bans pricing strategies that rely on algorithms analyzing personal information or surveillance technologies like cameras and sensors to determine what a specific customer pays. The law allows businesses to continue offering standard discounts, loyalty rewards, and surge pricing based on supply and demand, but it makes it illegal to charge different prices to different people based on their private data or protected characteristics. Violations of these rules are treated as consumer fraud offenses, subjecting companies to fines, cease-and-desist orders, and potential treble damages for injured consumers.

Maddy summaryThis bill revises the definition of "contracting unit" in New Jersey law to explicitly include State authorities and agencies (such as state agencies or authorities), which were previously excluded. As a result, State authorities and agencies can now participate in cooperative purchasing agreements - where multiple government entities pool resources to buy goods or services together - potentially saving costs through shared procurement. The bill does not change the exclusion of State boards, commissions, or committees, which remain ineligible for these agreements. This change clarifies eligibility for State entities to join existing cooperative purchasing frameworks without altering other procurement rules.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 3377) requires New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to lift conservation restrictions - land use limits tied to coastal development permits under the Coastal Area Facility Review Act (CAFRA) - when a landowner seeks to expand a school for special needs children. To qualify, the DEP must confirm the land is needed for the school expansion and enforce a new conservation restriction on a different parcel that is at least twice as large and within 20 miles of the original site. The new restriction must provide similar environmental protection as the one being lifted. This applies only to parcels subject to CAFRA permits and directly affects landowners seeking to modify such conservation conditions for school expansion.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes New Jersey's NJBEST program by replacing a one-time $750 savings grant with an annual $1,500 grant for eligible contributors. It affects people or organizations opening NJBEST accounts with adjusted gross income between $0 and $75,000, who will now receive a three-to-one match on annual deposits (up to $1,500 per account). The grant applies each year before the designated beneficiary turns 14, instead of as a single initial payment. This policy update modifies an existing program established under P.L.2021, c.128 to provide ongoing savings incentives.

Maddy summaryThis bill makes it a fourth-degree crime to operate a civilian drone equipped with a weapon in New Jersey. It defines a weapon as any device designed to harm or incapacitate a human being and applies this rule specifically to drones owned or operated by private individuals or businesses. If convicted, a person could face up to 18 months in prison, a fine of up to $10,000, or both penalties. The law takes effect immediately upon passage.