Sen. Jon Bramnick

Maddy summarySJR 21 designates the Tuesday of the third full week of September each year as "Food Allergy and Hunger Awareness Day" in New Jersey. This procedural resolution raises public awareness about the intersection of food insecurity (affecting over 1.15 million New Jersey residents, including 375,000 children) and food allergies (impacting roughly 1 in 10 residents), particularly highlighting how allergies complicate access to affordable, safe food for vulnerable families. It does not create new programs or funding but encourages annual recognition through proclamations by the Governor and coordination with existing awareness efforts like "Hunger Action Month."

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (S 976) prohibits the non-consensual creation and distribution of deepfake pornography depicting intimate acts or exposed body parts without the person's consent. It makes distributing such deceptive media a third-degree crime, with potential fines up to $30,000, and applies specifically to images falsely appearing to show someone engaged in sexual activity. The law directly affects individuals whose private images are used without consent in fabricated content. Key provisions define "deceptive audio or visual media" and include limited exceptions, such as retail fitting room photos with posted notice, but criminalize unauthorized sharing online or otherwise.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Director of the Division of Taxation to continuously study how the state's business income tax affects businesses leaving New Jersey, new business startups, and job creation. The Director must analyze tax return data and produce an annual report by January 1st to the Governor and Legislature, including findings and recommendations on potential tax policy changes to improve the business climate. The report would specifically examine whether tax laws could be adjusted to reduce financial burdens on businesses operating in New Jersey. This is a procedural study bill with no immediate policy changes, focusing solely on data collection and reporting.

Maddy summaryS 564 increases the statute of limitations for prosecuting theft of a firearm from 5 years to 10 years after the crime occurs. This change directly affects prosecutors (state authorities) and defendants accused of firearm theft, extending the timeframe they have to file charges. The bill amends New Jersey's criminal code (N.J.S.2C:1-6) to add a specific 10-year window for this offense, which was previously subject to the general 5-year limit for third-degree crimes. It does not alter the penalties for the crime itself, only the timeframe for prosecution.

Maddy summaryThis bill limits the Governor's power to declare and extend state of emergency or public health emergency declarations in New Jersey. It requires the Legislature to approve any extension of these declarations, with automatic termination after 60 days for state emergencies (or 30 days for public health emergencies) unless approved by a majority vote of both legislative chambers. The Governor must notify the Legislature in writing at least seven business days before seeking an extension, detailing the ongoing threat. The bill also prohibits the Governor from issuing identical declarations for the same emergency after termination without specific legislative authorization.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Senate and General Assembly to each hold at least four public comment sessions per year during legislative sessions. It mandates that each house establish clear rules for these sessions, including time limits per speaker, speaker limits, and procedures to maintain order. The bill expands existing public comment requirements (currently only applying to municipal governments and school boards) to cover state legislative sessions. This change directly affects residents who wish to address state lawmakers on policy issues during designated times. The policy creates a structured, regular opportunity for public input into the legislative process.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 28) urges the Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders to name the bridge on County Route 18 (Ocean Avenue) between Belmar and Avon-by-the-Sea in honor of Jeffrey Mahon and Jeffrey Hoens. It commemorates Jeffrey Mahon, who died in a car accident at age 20, and Jeffrey Hoens, who died free-diving near the bridge on Mahon's birthday in 2016. The resolution has no binding effect and simply requests the county board consider the naming. It directly affects the Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders and honors two individuals connected to local tragedies.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 560) authorizes New Jersey's Commissioner of Transportation to permit the painting of a blue line in the space between double yellow centerlines on public roads under the Department's jurisdiction. It directly affects road users and transportation officials by allowing this specific traffic marking, which may indicate designated areas like bus lanes or emergency access points. The provision gives the Commissioner discretion to approve such markings, aligning with traffic control standards without mandating them. The bill does not create new requirements but expands existing authority for traffic markings.

Maddy summaryS 352 requires motor fuel distributors, refiners, wholesalers, or suppliers in New Jersey to set tank wagon prices (the invoice cost to retailers) using a negotiated formula. The price must not exceed five cents per gallon above the terminal's listed price at the time of purchase. It exempts retailers who own their property or lease directly from third parties, consignment sales, and pre-existing contracts. Violations would result in a $5,000 fine per affected fuel delivery. The bill is pending legislative action and would apply to new contracts after its effective date.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 1372) updates New Jersey's laws regarding underage possession or consumption of alcohol or cannabis in public spaces like schools, vehicles, or public venues. It affects anyone under the legal purchase age (21) who is caught in these locations, with a three-tiered approach: first violations get a written warning with parental notification for minors, second violations include community service referrals, and third violations require referrals to social services (counseling, mentoring, etc.) for both the minor and their guardian. The bill explicitly prohibits fines, arrests, or legal action for refusing these services and bans law enforcement from using the smell of alcohol/cannabis as grounds for stops or searches. It focuses on referrals to support services rather than punishment.