Sen. Angela McKnight

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey's Conflicts of Interest Law to allow spouses of certain state officers and employees to hold ownership interests in regulated businesses related to casinos and cannabis. It defines which state officials and local government members are subject to restrictions and clarifies that spouses of those individuals may now own stakes in licensed casino operations or cannabis companies without violating ethics rules. The legislation maintains existing prohibitions on direct employment and representation for officials with direct responsibility over these industries, while permitting employment for those without such oversight if approved by ethics authorities.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs New Jersey's Department of Human Services to seek federal approval to offer rental assistance to specific NJ FamilyCare beneficiaries for up to six months. The program would target individuals who are homeless, at risk of homelessness, or transitioning out of emergency shelters and who have been diagnosed with a serious mental illness or substance use disorder. If approved, the state would issue financial assistance vouchers or subsidies directly to housing providers to help eligible recipients secure or maintain housing. The bill also requires the state to adopt new rules and regulations to implement the program once federal permission is granted.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution condemns police brutality and the excessive use of force by law enforcement officers in New Jersey. It does not create new laws or change existing policies but instead serves as a formal statement of the Senate's position on the issue. The resolution references specific incidents and statistics regarding police violence against marginalized communities and states that such conduct violates constitutional rights. Copies of the resolution will be sent to federal and state officials, including the President, Vice President, members of Congress, and the New Jersey Attorney General.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires state parks, forests, and local parks to install Type IV personal flotation devices at lakes, ponds, and rivers where swimming, boating, or ice-skating is allowed. The devices must be permanently placed near the water and accompanied by a sign indicating their presence. Counties and municipalities may use existing open space and recreation trust funds to cover the cost of purchasing and installing these flotation devices. The legislation also clarifies that neither state agencies nor local governments will face liability for the installation or use of these devices.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey municipalities with public swimming pools to display information about "dry drowning," also known as secondary drowning, which occurs when water inhaled during swimming causes breathing difficulties after leaving the water. The state's Commissioner of Community Affairs, working with the Commissioner of Health, must design and distribute warning posters listing symptoms and one-page informational pamphlets to all relevant municipalities. Municipalities must post these posters prominently at their pools and provide copies of the information sheet to residents annually, either during pool registration or during the first two weeks the pool is open. The law takes effect immediately, though the posting and distribution requirements begin on the first day of the fourth month after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits ride-sharing companies in New Jersey from using surge pricing during declared state emergencies, such as natural disasters or other emergencies declared by the Governor or President. It directly affects transportation network companies like Uber and Lyft, their drivers, and riders who use these services. The law defines surge pricing as charging higher fares than usual during high-demand periods and restricts this practice only when a state of emergency is officially declared. The bill amends existing transportation regulations to add this specific restriction while maintaining transparency requirements for fare calculations.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution asks the New Jersey Supreme Court to examine whether court fees in civil asset forfeiture cases are reasonable and should be reduced. It directly affects individuals whose property has been seized by law enforcement and who may struggle to afford the costs required to challenge those seizures. The bill cites reports that filing fees sometimes exceed the value of seized property, which can prevent people from defending their rights. It also requests the creation of uniform rules for how these cases are handled across different counties. The resolution does not change any laws but instead urges the state's highest court to study the issue and potentially recommend fee adjustments.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the New Jersey State Police to create a new community policing unit designed to build trust and transparency with local communities. The unit would work with residents, local agencies, and community groups to address crime and quality-of-life issues, while also implementing recruitment practices to increase diversity among State Police officers. It mandates biennial training for all State troopers on inclusive communities and sets minimum annual hours for community engagement activities. Additionally, the State Police Superintendent must submit an annual report to the Attorney General and Legislature summarizing the unit's activities.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution urges the Governor and Legislature of New Jersey to create initiatives that support the education of social work students. The bill specifically calls for the development of scholarships and loan repayment programs to help students pursuing bachelor's and graduate degrees in social work. By addressing high student debt and low salaries in the field, the resolution aims to encourage more individuals to enter social work careers and maintain a qualified workforce. The measure does not mandate funding but instead requests legislative action to establish financial support mechanisms for social work education.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill requires businesses that use text-based chat with consumers to offer them the option of receiving a transcript of the conversation after it ends. Companies must clearly inform customers at the start of any chat that a transcript is available, ensuring transparency in digital communications. If businesses fail to comply with these requirements, they face penalties under the state's consumer fraud laws, including fines and potential legal action. The law applies to any commercial entity using chat tools for real-time text communication with customers.