Sen. Angela McKnight

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 2792) proposes new rules for landlords and tenant protections in New Jersey. It requires landlords of multiple-unit properties to register with their municipality within 7 days of becoming a landlord, providing detailed owner contact information. The bill also mandates clearer tenant notifications about inspections and maintenance, and allows landlords to meet affordable housing requirements through rehabilitation projects instead of new construction. It directly affects landlords managing multi-unit buildings and tenants living in those properties.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 295) revises New Jersey's SNAP application process to improve clarity and efficiency for applicants. It requires the state to create a simple, fourth-grade-level notice (translated into top non-English languages) explaining SNAP eligibility, verification rules, and county agency assistance. Applicants can now self-attest to five specific items (dependent care, household makeup, finances, shelter costs, and citizenship status) without extra verification, unless the information seems questionable - then they’ll get clear written guidance on needed documents. The bill directly affects SNAP applicants and county agencies handling applications.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey banks, credit unions, and other depository institutions to mail paper account statements to customers aged 65 or older at no cost, unless the elder adult specifically requests to opt out. It defines "elder adult" as 65+ years, "periodic account statement" as a regular written summary of account activity, and "periodic cycle" as a timeframe no longer than a calendar quarter. Institutions that fail to comply face fines of up to $500 per violation, enforceable by the Commissioner of Banking and Insurance. The law applies to all such financial institutions operating in New Jersey and takes effect 90 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Homelessness Prevention Program (HPP) agencies to remain open during public health emergencies, specifically in counties with populations over 350,000 (defined as "populous counties"). It mandates the Department of Community Affairs to fund at least one HPP agency per populous county to manage homelessness services continuously during emergencies, with state funds covering gaps if federal pandemic funding falls short. The bill also authorizes the Commissioner to request state budget allocations to maintain these services when needed. It directly affects homeless prevention non-profits in populous counties and the residents they serve.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the S.E.E.D. Program to provide initial funding for student-led projects at New Jersey's public colleges and universities. It creates a dedicated fund to award competitive grants supporting new business concepts, research, or products developed by students, with grants requiring a plan for long-term sustainability. Funding is calculated based on institutional enrollment (e.g., $2,500 per 500 full-time students), administered by a seven-member board, and must be used for eligible student projects. The program requires a four-year report on grant outcomes, including applicant numbers and project results. The bill is currently pending in the Senate Higher Education Committee.

Maddy summaryS 2863 (now withdrawn) established new criminal penalties for recklessly discharging a firearm with live ammunition. It creates a misdemeanor for a first offense, a fourth-degree crime for a second offense, and a third-degree crime for a third or subsequent offense. The bill increases penalties if the discharge occurs within 100 yards of schools, occupied buildings, or child care facilities. The bill was withdrawn on January 13, 2026, as it was incorporated into another law (P.L.2025, c.364), meaning it did not become effective.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes "fertility fraud" as a crime in New Jersey. It makes it illegal for health care practitioners to perform fertility treatments using their own or another person's reproductive material without the patient's written consent, directly affecting patients who could become victims and practitioners who violate this rule. The offense is classified as a third-degree crime, punishable by up to five years in prison, a $15,000 fine, and permanent loss of medical licensure. Prosecutions must occur within 20 years of the treatment or 10 years after the victim discovers the fraud.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey state agencies to make a good faith effort to increase contracts awarded to minority- and women-owned businesses for small purchases that don't require public advertising (typically under $150,000-$250,000). It sets a specific goal of achieving a 30% aggregate increase in such contracts within five years of the bill's effective date. Agencies must submit monthly reports to the State Treasurer detailing progress, while the Treasurer will develop guidelines and provide biannual reports to the Governor and Legislature on implementation. The bill directly affects all state agencies managing these small, non-advertised contracts and aims to expand opportunities for certified minority- and women-owned businesses.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands New Jersey's early intervention services program to cover eligible children from birth through age five (previously only up to age two). It requires the Department of Health to provide services for infants, toddlers, and young children with developmental delays or disabilities, aligning with federal Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The key mechanism is mandating the Department to seek federal funding waivers or plan amendments to finance the expanded age range, ensuring continued federal support for the program. This directly affects families of children with developmental needs who would now qualify for services through age five.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Health (DOH) to create a voluntary shared decision-making tool for maternity care hospitals and birthing centers. The tool provides standardized patient questionnaires, educational materials on birth options and risks (like cesarean sections), and resources to help patients collaborate with providers on care choices and develop birth plans. A three-year pilot program will test the tool at selected facilities across the state, tracking specific outcomes like rates of non-medically indicated inductions and cesarean sections. Participating facilities must report findings to the DOH, Governor, and Legislature after the pilot to inform potential statewide implementation.