Sen. Angela McKnight

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 2967) requires New Jersey to implement security measures to prevent SNAP (food stamp) benefit theft and replace stolen benefits under specific circumstances. It directly affects SNAP recipients and the Department of Human Services, which must adopt practices like requiring strong PINs, two-factor authentication for balance checks, and enhanced fraud education. The bill upgrades criminal penalties for theft (to a third-degree crime for $150+ losses) and mandates the department to post fraud prevention information online and at enrollment sites. It also establishes a claims process for recipients to report and replace stolen benefits.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits rental property owners and software companies from using technology that coordinates rent increases across multiple properties. It specifically bans "coordinating functions" where software collects real-time pricing data from multiple landlords, analyzes it with algorithms, and recommends uniform rent prices - effectively enabling tacit price-fixing agreements. The law applies to all residential rental properties (excluding certain facilities) and makes such coordination a violation of New Jersey’s Antitrust Act. Enforcement would occur through existing antitrust mechanisms, with education efforts to inform tenants about suspected violations.

Maddy summaryS 3027 establishes a temporary pilot program through New Jersey's Department of Health to provide pet food to low-income pet owners struggling to afford it for their cats and dogs. The bill appropriates $1 million to fund the program, directing the Department of Health to partner with selected non-profits and volunteer groups to set up pet food banks across the state. Key provisions include creating eligibility criteria, distributing pet food and monetary donations, and requiring a report to the legislature after one year on whether to make the program permanent. The program directly affects financially strained pet owners and participating non-profit organizations operating the food banks.

Maddy summaryThis bill revises New Jersey's Dry Cell Battery Management Act to update rules for disposing of specific batteries. It defines "covered batteries" (including portable, medium-format, and rechargeable types) while excluding medical device batteries, lead acid batteries over 11 pounds, vehicle batteries, and recalled batteries. The law directly affects retailers, distributors, and institutions that handle large volumes of these batteries, requiring proper disposal under the updated framework. Key changes clarify definitions and exclusions to streamline battery management and reduce regulatory burden for excluded categories. The bill amends existing law and repeals two sections, but does not create new disposal requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey electric utilities to reimburse residential customers for spoiled food and medicine caused by prolonged power outages exceeding 72 hours after major events like storms or natural disasters. Customers can receive up to $500 for spoiled food (with proof required for claims over $250) or full reimbursement for compromised medicine (with proof required for claims over $500). Utilities must create an online claim system within 90 days and process reimbursements within 30 days of receiving a valid claim. The costs of these reimbursements cannot be passed on to utility ratepayers.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 715) creates a "Small Business Interruption Grant Program" administered by New Jersey's Economic Development Authority (EDA). It provides grants to small businesses (defined as independently owned, employing fewer than 10 people with under $1.5 million in annual revenue) that suffer extended closures (over one month) due to state or public entity infrastructure or construction projects. The EDA would determine grant amounts based on the business’s operating expenses during the closure, funded by contributions from project entities (0-5% of the project’s estimated cost). Businesses must apply through the EDA, demonstrating eligibility under the defined criteria.

Maddy summaryThis bill reinstates automatic annual cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) for retirement benefits paid to eligible retired members of New Jersey's Police and Firemen's Retirement System (PFRS). It requires the PFRS board of trustees to restore these COLAs to their previous statutory level without requiring additional contributions from retirees, provided actuarial certification confirms the change won't increase employer costs or jeopardize the system's long-term financial health. The policy directly affects retired police officers and firefighters who receive benefits under the PFRS. The change reverses a prior reduction to these automatic inflation adjustments for this specific retirement system.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands New Jersey's wrongful imprisonment law to include individuals wrongfully convicted and later civilly committed as "sexually violent predators" under P.L.1998, c.71. It allows these individuals to sue the state for damages by proving, with clear and convincing evidence, that they did not commit the crime and were not responsible for their conviction. Claimants must file within two years of release, pardon, or vacated conviction, with damages calculated as twice their pre-incarceration income or $50,000 per year of imprisonment, plus additional support like legal fees and counseling. The law applies to those released or pardoned on or after December 27, 2013, who haven't previously received compensation under similar statutes.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 978 makes it a fourth-degree crime (carrying up to 18 months in jail or $10,000 fine) to secretly install or use electronic tracking devices or apps to monitor another person's location with intent to facilitate unlawful acts like stalking or harassment. The bill directly affects individuals who secretly track others without consent, such as in cases of relationship surveillance. Key exemptions include parents tracking minor children, caregivers monitoring vulnerable individuals, businesses disclosing location tracking in privacy policies, and employers tracking work vehicles under specific conditions. The law creates a legal presumption that secret location tracking is intended for unlawful purposes, while excluding government entities and certain business/employer uses.

Maddy summaryS 2248 prohibits New Jersey automobile insurers from using an applicant's or policyholder's education level, occupation, or credit score (including credit report details) when determining car insurance rates or assigning rating tiers. The bill directly affects all drivers applying for or renewing private passenger auto insurance in New Jersey by banning these factors from underwriting decisions. Key provisions include requiring insurers to file underwriting rules with the commissioner for approval and prohibiting them from even asking about these factors during applications. If enacted, this would prevent insurers from basing rates on these criteria, which critics argue disproportionately impact low-income and minority drivers.