Sen. John McKeon

Maddy summaryThis bill requires that low-speed electric bicycles, powered mobility devices (like electric scooters), and their batteries undergo safety testing by an accredited lab before being sold, rented, leased, or distributed to consumers. Proof of testing must be displayed on the product’s packaging, documentation, or directly on the device itself. Sellers violating these requirements face a written warning for a first offense and fines up to $1,000 for subsequent violations within two years. The rule does not apply to second-hand sales without packaging or documentation.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey law to allow civil lawsuits against casinos and simulcast facilities when they recklessly ignore or intentionally violate the self-exclusion program for gamblers who have voluntarily barred themselves from gambling. Currently, casinos cannot be held liable for failing to enforce self-exclusion; this bill removes that immunity for cases involving reckless indifference or intentional misconduct toward self-excluded individuals. The law specifically targets situations where casinos permit self-excluded persons to gamble or fail to withhold gaming privileges despite knowing their exclusion status. It directly affects self-excluded gamblers seeking legal recourse and imposes new accountability on casino operators for their enforcement practices.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits New Jersey casino licensees from using non-wagering casino games to solicit future gaming. It specifically bans casino operators from conducting games that simulate real casino games (with similar odds of winning) but don't require an initial monetary investment, where participants might earn points or rewards redeemable for real value. The bill targets a practice where casinos use these games, sometimes attracting underage individuals, to encourage future gambling participation. The prohibition applies to casino licensees, their employees, agents, contracted operators, and any parties with whom the casino has a relationship.

Maddy summaryThe John R. Lewis Voter Empowerment Act of New Jersey establishes new protections for voters in racial, color, and language-minority groups. It requires that all voting policies be interpreted in favor of protecting voting rights and prohibits policies that burden these voters. The law creates a preclearance process for certain political subdivisions needing Attorney General approval before implementing voting changes. It also mandates language assistance for limited English proficient voters and establishes a New Jersey Voting and Elections Institute to maintain public voting data.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes rules for peer-to-peer car sharing platforms where individuals share their personal vehicles through an online platform for financial consideration. It requires these platforms to assume liability for bodily injury or property damage during sharing periods (with minimum insurance coverage amounts), and to ensure proper insurance coverage for shared vehicles. The bill also mandates platforms to verify driver licenses, check for vehicle safety recalls, and provide clear disclosures about fees, insurance coverage, and dispute resolution to both vehicle owners and drivers. It prevents peer-to-peer car sharing from being classified as traditional rental services and sets recordkeeping requirements for claims processing.

Maddy summaryS 2997 requires vehicle manufacturers to stamp the vehicle identification number (VIN) on catalytic converters of all new motor vehicles sold in New Jersey. This applies to every new vehicle sold in the state and would take effect three months after enactment. The bill was introduced in response to a significant rise in catalytic converter thefts, as reported by the National Insurance Crime Bureau, which noted theft claims more than tripled from 2019 to 2020. The policy change directly affects vehicle manufacturers and aims to improve traceability of stolen parts.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 2996 requires applicants to complete an approved firearms safety course before receiving their first firearms purchaser ID card or handgun permit. The course, limited to four hours, must cover responsible ownership, safe storage, and preventing minors from accessing firearms, and may be offered by entities like the NRA, law enforcement agencies, or colleges. Acceptable proof includes certificates from NRA courses, out-of-state licenses requiring similar training, or other documentation approved by the State Police Superintendent. This requirement applies only to initial applications, not to renewals of existing cards or permits.

Maddy summaryThis bill renames Greystone Park Psychiatric Hospital to Richard J. Codey Psychiatric Hospital. It requires the New Jersey Department of Health to update all official publications, signage, and public indicators to reflect the new name, and amends all existing laws, regulations, and documents to replace "Greystone Park Psychiatric Hospital" with the new name. The change applies immediately to all references within state law and official materials.

Maddy summaryS 2993 prevents New Jersey auto insurance policies from restricting recovery amounts for covered individuals to less than the policy's maximum limits for bodily injury, property damage, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, and medical payments. It specifically ensures that temporary drivers not named on the policy (permissive users) can recover up to the full limits associated with the vehicle they were operating during an accident. The bill applies to all standard auto insurance policies issued or renewed 90 days after enactment, requiring insurers to honor full policy limits without artificial caps.

Maddy summaryThis bill revises eligibility criteria for New Jersey's Medicaid-funded adult medical day care services. It would allow Medicaid enrollees to qualify if they: (1) need assistance with *at least one* activity of daily living (like dressing or bathing), (2) have a physician's recommendation, and (3) provide updated medical history and a recent physical exam report. The bill simplifies current requirements by reducing the number of required daily living tasks from multiple to just one, while maintaining documentation standards. These services provide community-based care for functionally or cognitively impaired adults, offering an alternative to institutionalization. The changes aim to expand access to community support for eligible individuals under Medicaid.