Maddy summaryS 4509 provides additional licensing eligibility for businesses involved in the manufacture, distribution, and sale of intoxicating hemp products in New Jersey. The bill amends definitions to clarify what constitutes intoxicating hemp products, establishes new licensing categories, and permits out-of-state hemp entities to apply for New Jersey licenses if their home state's standards are substantially similar. It requires criminal background checks for applicants, provides a 120-day transition period for current license holders to comply with new requirements, and establishes tax and excise fee structures to fund social equity programs. The legislation aims to create a regulated market for intoxicating hemp products while addressing previous legal challenges to New Jersey's regulatory framework.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryS 4809 revises the membership qualifications for New Jersey's Commission on Latino and Hispanic Heritage, which promotes cultural and educational programs for Latino and Hispanic communities. It removes the requirement that certain appointed members must hold a Master's degree in Latino or Hispanic studies or culture and replaces the prior need for leadership experience in heritage organizations with a standard requiring knowledge and experience in Latino or Hispanic studies or education. The change affects the 19 public members appointed by the Senate President (5), Speaker (5), and Governor (9), without altering the commission's structure or purpose.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey's child abuse and neglect laws to include individuals aged 18-21 in certain settings under the definition of "child" for protection purposes. Specifically, it revises the definition of "child" to mean any person under 21 years old who is alleged to have been abused, neglected, or exploited by a teacher, employee, contractor, or volunteer of an institution regulated by the Department of Children and Families. The bill extends protections to individuals in institutions (including day schools) who are between 18 and 21 years old, currently falling under separate jurisdiction for individuals with developmental disabilities. This change transfers full investigative responsibility for these cases from the Department of Human Services to the Department of Children and Families for the population served in regulated facilities.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new sentencing consideration for defendants who were victims of domestic violence or abuse when they committed a crime, and that abuse was a contributing factor to their offense. It allows courts to reduce sentences for qualifying defendants: up to 18 months for third-degree crimes, 3-5 years for second-degree, and 5-10 years for first-degree offenses. The bill also creates a resentencing process for defendants convicted before the law took effect who meet the criteria, requiring courts to consider evidence like domestic violence reports, social services records, and professional testimony. To qualify, defendants must have been victims of abuse that contributed to their crime, be incarcerated with no pending appeals, and not have previously sought this relief. The bill requires correctional facilities to notify eligible inmates about this resentencing opportunity and mandates judicial training on implementing the new provisions.
Maddy summaryThis bill (S 4871) creates a new expungement process for people convicted of certain crimes who were victims of domestic violence or substantial physical, sexual, or psychological abuse, provided the conviction was substantially related to that abuse. It applies to most non-violent offenses (excluding murder or sex offenses requiring Megan’s Law registration). Eligible individuals can petition the Superior Court to have convictions, findings of guilt, or juvenile adjudications erased after completing their sentence, with courts required to review evidence like court records, abuse reports, and professional testimony. The process allows applicants to include prior convictions in a single petition, regardless of where they occurred. This policy change directly helps victims of abuse who were convicted due to trauma from their situation, clearing legal barriers to employment and housing.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the "Female Incarcerated Person's Rights Protection Act" for New Jersey, requiring the Department of Corrections to implement gender-responsive policies for women in state prisons. Key provisions include creating a Division of Women's Services to address trauma, parenting needs, and child reunification; mandating annual staff training on gender-responsive practices and sexual assault prevention; and providing doula services, parenting classes, and family reunification programs for incarcerated mothers. The bill also creates a Special Victim's Unit to investigate sexual assault allegations and requires all female inmates to receive information about reporting sexual abuse and accessing support services. These changes directly affect all women incarcerated in New Jersey state facilities and the correctional staff responsible for their care.
Maddy summaryThis bill (A5422) allows businesses registered with New Jersey's Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services to opt into receiving updates about new regulations and economic incentives via email instead of paper mail. It directly affects businesses required to register with the Division (including corporations, partnerships, and sole proprietorships, but excluding nonprofits and government agencies). Key provisions include: businesses can provide an email address during registration or renewal to receive digital notifications, the Division shares these emails with the Department of Labor for communication, and businesses can later switch back to paper mail by requesting it. The bill replaces mandatory paper notices with an electronic option while maintaining the ability to revert to traditional mail.
Maddy summaryThis bill allows adults, emancipated minors, and their authorized representatives (like parents or legal guardians) to create a formal written directive preventing healthcare providers from prescribing or administering opioids. The directive must be created using a form developed by the New Jersey Department of Health and entered into the patient's electronic health record. Healthcare providers are protected from liability or disciplinary action for following the directive in good faith, though opioids may still be prescribed if medically necessary. Individuals can revoke the directive at any time, either orally or in writing.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires water suppliers to immediately notify specific entities when drinking water quality standards are violated. Affected groups include municipalities, school districts, charter schools, and nonpublic schools within the affected area. Suppliers must provide detailed information via phone and email, including contaminant names, test dates, locations, exceedance levels, and suggested remedies. The law takes effect immediately upon passage.
Maddy summaryThis bill (A5052) requires New Jersey health insurers, Medicaid (NJ FamilyCare), and state health benefit programs to cover screening, prevention, and treatment services for children's behavioral health issues without requiring a formal mental health diagnosis. It establishes "at-risk diagnosis" as a billing mechanism, allowing providers to use Social Determinants of Health Z-codes (instead of standard mental health codes) for preventive care based on factors like family circumstances. Coverage must be provided at the same level as other medical services for children under 18. The law applies to all health plans, Medicaid contracts, and state employee health programs effective 90 days after enactment.