Sen. Joe Cryan

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to allow New Jersey's Legislature to establish slot machine gambling at horse racetracks. If approved by voters, it would permit racetracks to operate slots and wagering on horse races, with all state revenue from these activities required to fund state retirement programs, Atlantic City improvements, casino operations, and horse racing infrastructure. The amendment would override current constitutional restrictions on gambling, enabling legislative authorization without a public vote for this specific type of gambling. The bill is currently pending in the Senate committee (introduced January 9, 2024) and has not yet been enacted.

Maddy summaryThis bill eliminates legal immunity for New Jersey prosecutors who fail to disclose evidence that could prove a defendant's innocence (exculpatory evidence) in criminal cases. It directly affects state, county, and municipal prosecutors, as well as their agencies, by making them personally liable for violations of evidence disclosure rules established under federal court rulings (Brady v. Maryland and Giglio v. United States). Key provisions require courts to notify ethics officials within 24 hours of a disclosure violation and allow victims to sue for damages, attorney fees, and other relief. The bill removes blanket immunity for such failures, holding prosecutors and their agencies accountable under civil law. It does not change the standard for evidence disclosure but ensures consequences when prosecutors ignore existing rules.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (S 665) simplifies licensing for spouses and dependents of active-duty military members who move to New Jersey due to military orders. It requires professional licensing boards to issue temporary licenses to qualifying military spouses without charging application fees, and mandates a checkbox on all applications to identify military status. To qualify, applicants must hold a current license in another state with equivalent requirements, have practiced for at least two years in the past five, and pass background checks. The temporary license is valid for one year (extendable) and mirrors the rights and obligations of New Jersey residents. It directly affects military-connected families seeking to practice professions like nursing, law, or education in New Jersey.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 783 (proposed) would require manufacturers and retailers to label non-flushable disposable wipes with a "Do Not Flush" symbol and notice. It specifically targets wipes marketed for bathroom use - like baby wipes, cleaning wipes, feminine hygiene products, and adult incontinence wipes - that contain petrochemical fibers. The label must cover at least 2% of the main packaging area with high-contrast text and a standardized symbol. The bill was introduced in January 2024 but was withdrawn before further action.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Office of Public Integrity and Accountability (OPIA) to adopt and follow the Attorney General's most recent "Internal Affairs Policy and Procedures" guidelines. It also mandates that OPIA submit detailed legislative reports for any investigation taking over 180 days, summarizing all actions taken during the delay. The bill directly affects the OPIA, which handles internal investigations within the Department of Law and Public Safety. The changes take effect immediately upon passage. (Note: This is a procedural bill focused on oversight mechanisms, not substantive policy.)

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 2145) establishes new standards for work breaks and warehouse conditions in New Jersey, primarily affecting warehouse workers and large warehouse employers (those with 100+ employees at one facility or 1,000+ across multiple facilities). It defines "fair wage" as one meeting minimum living costs and explicitly prohibits warehouse employers from using quotas that violate other pending labor laws, labeling such pay as "oppressive and unreasonable." The bill also requires employers to provide adequate rest periods and regulates how workplace productivity data (like speed metrics) is collected and used. These changes aim to improve working conditions for warehouse employees by setting clearer wage and break standards.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires companies and organizations that own telecommunications or cable television lines (like phone or internet providers) to remove lines that are no longer in use or unsafe. Specifically, it mandates removal of "abandoned" lines (those not maintained, not in operation for 24+ months, or requested for removal by property owners) and requires new lines to be marked with the owner's identifying information. Property owners and others can request removal of suspected abandoned lines through a formal process involving the Board of Public Utilities. The law applies to all entities owning such lines in New Jersey, aiming to improve safety and clarity around infrastructure.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey municipalities to transfer inactive retail liquor licenses to other municipalities for use in designated redevelopment areas, such as urban enterprise zones or downtown improvement districts. It requires host municipalities (where licenses are held) to offer these licenses through public sale, with proceeds going to the host municipality's general fund, and mandates that transferred licenses must be actively used within two years or expire. The bill specifically affects municipalities seeking to relocate unused licenses and license holders in redevelopment zones, while prohibiting transfers outside these areas or for new license issuance. It does not change licensing standards but creates a structured process for moving existing licenses to support economic development.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 938) requires New Jersey's Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) to assist veterans who received an "other than honorable," bad conduct, or dishonorable discharge and later received a diagnosis of a mental health condition linked to their military service. The DMVA must provide free, confidential help with federal forms to petition the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to change their discharge status to "honorable." Veterans with a revised discharge designation will gain access to the same state benefits and rights as those honorably discharged. The bill expands existing DMVA assistance - previously limited to veterans separated due to sexual orientation or gender identity - to include those with service-connected mental health conditions.

Maddy summaryBill S 2147 would permit businesses not located inside shopping malls (such as downtown bars or restaurants) to obtain special licenses allowing them to serve alcoholic beverages for on-premises consumption within shopping mall locations. It requires municipalities to have reached their population-based limit for plenary retail alcohol licenses before qualifying, and would allow one special license per existing mall-based plenary license in that municipality. The special licenses would be issued by the Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control upon municipal approval, with fees tied to local license sales data. This aims to help non-mall businesses compete by providing access to serve alcohol in mall areas where they previously could not.