Sen. Teresa Ruiz

Maddy summaryThe Safe Communities Act requires New Jersey's Attorney General to develop model policies ensuring safety and accessibility at key community locations like schools, hospitals, places of worship, shelters, and courthouses. These policies must be adopted by relevant state agencies (including education, health, and corrections departments) within 180 days of the law's enactment, with institutions required to post them visibly. The law aims to prevent residents from avoiding essential services or gatherings due to safety concerns, focusing on maintaining open access to public services and religious spaces. It applies directly to all covered facilities and their visitors across New Jersey.

Maddy summaryThis bill codifies New Jersey's existing Attorney General directive to prevent state and local law enforcement from enforcing federal immigration laws. It prohibits police from stopping, questioning, or detaining people solely based on immigration status, asking about immigration status unless relevant to a crime investigation, or sharing personal information (like addresses or social security numbers) with federal immigration authorities. Exceptions apply only for serious crimes (e.g., violent offenses or recent convictions) or when required by law for criminal investigations. The law directly affects all New Jersey state, county, and municipal law enforcement agencies and officers, aiming to build trust between police and immigrant communities by clarifying that immigration enforcement is a federal responsibility.

Maddy summaryThis bill, the "Privacy Protection Act," prohibits New Jersey government entities (like state agencies, counties, and municipalities) and healthcare facilities from collecting or sharing specific personal information - such as immigration status, citizenship details, Social Security numbers, or place of birth - except when necessary to determine eligibility for public services, benefits, or professional licensing. It requires that any collected data be retained only as long as needed for those purposes and prevents such records from being disclosed under the state's open records law, except in limited cases like court orders, election requirements, or with explicit written consent. Written consent must clearly explain what data is shared, why, that refusal won't cause discrimination, and that consent can be revoked. The bill also restricts sharing of automated license plate data except to other government entities under legal authority or with a court order.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes tax credits for developers of sports and entertainment facilities (like arenas) in New Jersey, covering a portion of project costs after other funding sources are applied. It specifically adds extra tax credits for the New Jersey Aspire Program (which helps workers enter new fields) and the Emerge Program (supporting small business development). To qualify, developers must contribute at least 20% of the project cost themselves and address a "project financing gap" identified after seeking other capital. The credits aim to support facility renovations and new projects that attract visitors, generate tax revenue, and create jobs in local communities.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes New Jersey's State Longitudinal Data System (SLDS), a centralized data hub that collects and analyzes education and workforce data from state agencies. It directly affects state departments (like Education, Higher Education, and Labor), which will provide data to the system, and policymakers who will use the insights for decision-making. Key provisions require the system to be operated by Rutgers' Heldrich Center, mandate strict privacy safeguards (including compliance with FERPA and NIST standards), and limit data sharing to de-identified, aggregate reports. The goal is to improve evidence-based policies around workforce development, education pathways, and program effectiveness.

Maddy summaryS 5031 authorizes tax credits for developers of sports and entertainment facilities with at least 15,000 seating capacity and for the New Jersey Aspire Program and Emerge Program. The credits would cover the "project financing gap" (the uncovered portion of project costs after other funding, requiring at least 20% of total costs to remain uncovered) and be available for a minimum five-year period. The bill defines key terms like "eligible facility" and "eligibility period" to establish the program's framework. This legislation aims to support economic development through investment in these projects.

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies the authority of the New Jersey State Police Superintendent to change personnel ranks and grades. It specifies that rank changes for troopers, detectives, first-line supervisors, mid-level managers, and executives can be made without Attorney General approval. However, changes to command staff positions (majors and lieutenant colonels) still require Attorney General approval. All personnel adjustments must stay within existing budget limits, consistent with current law. The bill directly affects State Police staff and the Attorney General's oversight role.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the delivery of electronic smoking devices and tobacco products to anyone under 21 years old. It requires that any delivery to a residence must be signed for by an adult resident (21+), with an exception for U.S. Postal Service employees under federal law. Violations by retailers or delivery services can result in civil fines ($250-$1,000 per violation) and potential license suspension for repeat offenses. The law applies to all tobacco products and electronic smoking devices, including e-cigarettes and related components, and amends existing New Jersey statutes governing tobacco sales.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A560) requires all New Jersey transportation network company (TNC) drivers - like those for Uber or Lyft - to complete an anti-human trafficking training course approved by the Attorney General. The training, which can be taken online, covers human trafficking definitions, how drivers can report it, and steps to respond to suspected cases. Drivers must certify completion to their TNC; failure to do so results in being blocked from using the app until certified. TNCs must also track and document completion in driver records within 90 days of the bill's effective date.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all menstrual products sold in New Jersey - including tampons, pads, discs, cups, and underwear (both disposable and reusable) - to list every ingredient on the package in descending order of quantity. The label must be clearly visible and understandable to consumers. Manufacturers who sell noncompliant products after the bill’s effective date face civil penalties of up to 1% of their annual in-state sales per package, capped at $1,000 per item, enforced by the Division of Consumer Affairs. The law applies only to products manufactured after the effective date and excludes shipping packaging.