Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 4085 requires state law enforcement agencies, courts, and correctional facilities to notify federal immigration authorities within 24 hours when arresting or convicting non-citizens unlawfully present in the U.S. for specific crimes - including first-through-fourth-degree offenses, drug-related crimes (like possession or distribution), theft, or robbery. The bill mandates that sentencing courts and parole/probation officers also immediately contact federal immigration authorities to initiate deportation proceedings for these individuals. It defines "federal immigration authority" broadly to include ICE, CBP, and DHS personnel. The law applies to all New Jersey law enforcement entities and takes effect immediately.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summarySCR 122 is a joint Senate-Assembly resolution declaring that the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection's (DEP) proposed "NJPACT-REAL" climate rules - which would expand flood zones and affect coastal development - are inconsistent with legislative intent. It directs the DEP to amend or withdraw these rules within 30 days, or the legislature could later invalidate them. The resolution directly affects the DEP's rulemaking authority and could impact coastal property owners through potential changes in flood zone regulations and associated costs. This procedural resolution does not create new law but challenges the DEP's authority to unilaterally implement climate-related regulations.
Maddy summaryThis bill (S 4054) upgrades penalties for auto theft committed during specific burglaries in New Jersey. It makes auto theft a second-degree crime (5-10 years in prison) if connected to residential burglary (e.g., breaking into a home), and a first-degree crime (10-20 years) if linked to home invasion (involving weapons or injury). Currently, auto theft is typically a third-degree crime (3-5 years), but this bill increases penalties when theft occurs during these violent offenses. The law also ensures auto theft convictions won’t merge with separate burglary convictions for sentencing. It directly affects individuals convicted of auto theft during home invasions or residential burglaries.
Maddy summaryThis bill would expand New Jersey's felony murder, aggravated manslaughter, and aggravated assault laws to include deaths or injuries occurring during the commission of auto theft. Currently, these laws apply to crimes like robbery or burglary, but this bill adds "theft of a motor vehicle" to the list of qualifying offenses. If someone causes death or serious injury while stealing a car, it would be treated as a more serious criminal offense under these statutes. The changes would make auto theft-related deaths and injuries subject to harsher penalties under these specific criminal laws.
Maddy summaryThis bill expands when juveniles (15+ years old) can be tried as adults for certain crimes by adding specific motor vehicle thefts or unlawful takings to the list of offenses eligible for waiver to adult court. It applies only if the juvenile has previously been found delinquent for a similar motor vehicle offense. The bill also creates a strict liability crime for anyone 18+ who uses, directs, or hires a minor under 18 to steal a vehicle, making it a second-degree offense punishable by 5-10 years in prison regardless of whether the adult believed the minor was older. This changes current law by removing the defense of mistaken age belief and broadening the scope of motor vehicle theft cases subject to adult prosecution.
Maddy summaryNew Jersey Senate Bill S 4005 establishes criminal liability for property damage occurring during auto theft or police pursuits related to auto theft. It makes it a crime (third degree for $500+ damage, fourth degree for less) for anyone involved in the theft, attempted theft, or immediate flight to cause property damage, regardless of whether the damage was caused by the thief, police during a pursuit, or others. Convicted individuals must pay restitution to property owners for repair or replacement costs, including reasonable fees. The law explicitly states that police-caused damage during a pursuit or not being the driver does not serve as a defense. This bill directly affects individuals committing auto theft and those fleeing after such crimes.
Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes New Jersey's State Treasurer to sell surplus property located at 200 Sanatorium Road in Lebanon Township, Hunterdon County. The property, formerly known as East Hall (Building 33) of the Hagedorn Psychiatric Hospital, includes 57,462 square feet of land and improvements. It will be sold to GShack Group, LLC for its appraised value of $570,000, with terms approved by the State House Commission. The sale applies only to this specific surplus property, which the state no longer needs for operations.
Maddy summaryThis bill expands New Jersey optometrists' scope of practice to include prescribing pharmaceutical agents (including controlled substances for eye conditions), administering immunizations for coronavirus, flu, and shingles (for patients 18+), and performing minor procedures like removing superficial foreign bodies, treating chalazions, and simple ophthalmologic treatments (e.g., trabeculoplasty) using topical anesthesia. It explicitly prohibits invasive eye surgery, orbital procedures, or general anesthesia. The law requires optometrists to report administered immunizations to the state's immunization registry and mandates they follow CDC guidelines for vaccine administration. This directly affects optometrists by broadening their clinical capabilities and patients by increasing access to certain eye care services within defined limits.
Maddy summaryS 3912 adds specific crimes, including human trafficking, child pornography, drug trafficking leadership, and aggravated arson, to the list of offenses that disqualify inmates from automatic parole release under New Jersey's "Earn Your Way Out" Act. Inmates convicted of these crimes would not qualify for early release - even if they complete rehabilitation programs, avoid serious disciplinary issues, or meet other eligibility criteria. The bill expands the existing exclusion list, which previously covered crimes under laws like Megan's Law and the Graves Act, and also includes any other first-degree crime not already excluded. This change directly affects inmates serving sentences for the newly listed offenses, preventing them from accessing the automatic parole process.
Maddy summaryS 3914 prohibits the farming (aquaculture) of any octopus species for human consumption in New Jersey. It also bans businesses from selling, possessing, or transporting octopus raised through aquaculture. Violations carry daily civil penalties of up to $1,000, with each day of violation treated as a separate offense. The law takes immediate effect and excludes wild-caught octopus and octopus used solely for research.