Sen. Doug Steinhardt

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution directs New Jersey's State Commission of Investigation (SCI) to examine human trafficking activity specifically in massage and bodywork therapy businesses. It targets establishments employing licensed massage therapists - businesses already subject to state licensing, registration, and background check requirements under existing law. The SCI must investigate these venues, cooperate with law enforcement, and submit a report with findings and recommendations within two years. The resolution does not create new laws but mandates an investigation to assess current protections against trafficking in this sector.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's existing Commission on Human Trafficking to specifically investigate how traffickers use online gaming platforms and social media to target victims, particularly children. The commission must develop prevention methods and make legislative recommendations based on its findings. This adds a new, focused duty to the commission's current responsibilities of evaluating anti-trafficking laws and victim assistance programs. The commission will report annually on these efforts to the Governor and Legislature, with recommendations potentially leading to new state laws.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits New Jersey local governments - including municipalities, counties, school districts, and public agencies - from naming public property (such as roads, parks, schools, or buildings) after a foreign terrorist organization designated by the federal government. It requires these entities to remove all existing signs, plaques, or displays referencing such groups within 30 days of the law taking effect and to rename the property within 90 days. The state will reimburse local governments for the costs of removal and renaming, and violations will trigger daily deductions from state aid. The Division of Local Government Services must maintain an annual list of designated foreign terrorist organizations and lands they control, excluding sovereign nations.

Maddy summaryThis bill abolishes New Jersey's Board of Public Utilities (BPU) and transfers all of its responsibilities - including regulating electricity, gas, and water utilities - to the Department of the Treasury. The transfer will follow the State Agency Transfer Act, moving all BPU records, equipment, funds, and unspent appropriations to the Treasury Department. This change directly affects the BPU (which ceases to exist) and the Treasury Department (which assumes new regulatory duties). The bill does not alter utility rates or policies but reorganizes the state agency managing utility oversight.

Maddy summaryThis bill would amend New Jersey's firearms law to allow active duty members of the United States military and National Guard to carry firearms at all times within the state, rather than only while on duty or traveling between duty locations as current law permits. It would add military personnel to the list of exempt groups under New Jersey's firearms regulations, requiring them to complete firearms training similar to other authorized groups. The bill's statement cites past attacks on military installations as justification for the change, arguing it would allow military personnel to better protect themselves and their families. The bill would not override federal restrictions on military personnel carrying weapons.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 4275 prohibits state contractors and financial institutions from sharing data with "foreign adversaries" (defined as entities deemed a security threat by U.S. standards). It requires the Department of the Treasury to maintain a public list of entities selling data to such adversaries, making them ineligible for state contracts, subsidies, tax benefits, or certifications. Contractors must certify they aren’t on the list, and false certifications face $1 million penalties or five-year bans. The law exempts data shared under court orders, legitimate business transactions, or publicly available information. This directly affects businesses seeking state work or financial partnerships.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 1192 requires health insurers to cover prescription drugs for serious mental illnesses without prior authorization or step therapy (where patients must try cheaper drugs first). It applies to conditions like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depression, and PTSD as defined in the DSM. Insurers must also submit annual reports to the Department of Banking and Insurance detailing how they apply medical necessity standards for mental health coverage to ensure they’re no stricter than for physical health treatments. This bill directly affects health insurers and beneficiaries in New Jersey seeking mental health medication coverage.

Maddy summaryThe CAMPUS Act requires New Jersey public schools and colleges to adopt policies prohibiting antisemitic harassment, intimidation, and bullying, with disciplinary actions including suspension and expulsion for such incidents. It mandates that schools include instruction on antisemitism and recent antisemitic violence in Holocaust education curricula, and requires staff training on identifying and addressing antisemitic incidents. The bill also establishes clear guidelines for permissible campus activism while prohibiting actions like affiliation with designated terrorist organizations such as Hamas. These provisions aim to create safer educational environments for Jewish students by addressing rising antisemitic incidents reported on college campuses.

Maddy summaryS 4256 requires New Jersey public schools with grades 9-12 to hold an annual 30-minute assembly in November (coinciding with Veterans Day) providing age-appropriate information about the U.S. military structure, veterans' contributions, and military programs like ROTC and service academies. Schools must also hold a separate veterans appreciation event each year, such as honoring veterans, featuring veteran speakers, or participating in military-themed educational activities. Schools must consult with local veterans associations when planning the appreciation event. This bill applies to all affected schools starting in the first full school year after enactment.

Maddy summaryS 3466 extends the special appraisal process for Green Acres and farmland preservation programs in the Highlands Region through 2029, requiring landowners to be provided with two appraisal values when selling property for preservation. The bill allocates $7.5 million annually from constitutionally dedicated Corporation Business Tax revenue to the Highlands Water Protection and Planning Council for land preservation, with $5 million for recreation and conservation and $2.5 million for farmland preservation. It creates a new "Preserve New Jersey Highlands Preservation Fund" to support land acquisition and conservation efforts in the Highlands Region, including matching federal funding for watershed protection. The bill also requires distributing state aid to municipalities hosting watershed lands that don't receive existing watershed moratorium offset aid.