Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Liberty State Park Advisory Committee to review proposed changes to Liberty State Park and prohibits the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) from commercializing or transferring property rights in two specific protected areas: a 215-acre interior natural/recreation zone and a 21.5-acre Caven Point Peninsula wildlife habitat. It directly affects the DEP, future concessionaires, and the public by ensuring no privatization or development occurs in these designated zones without committee review. The law requires the DEP to consult the committee before approving any concessions or property transfers within the park, reinforcing the park’s status as a free public space. The bill aims to protect the park’s 1,200-acre natural and cultural resource, visited by over six million people annually.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the New Jersey Cybersecurity Task Force to evaluate and recommend strategies for addressing cybersecurity threats facing residents and businesses in the state. The task force will consist of 11 members, including state officials such as the Attorney General and legislative leaders, along with five public members appointed by the Governor from various professional and community organizations. The group will focus on identifying vulnerabilities, preventing cyber breaches, and developing recovery procedures, and must submit its findings to the Governor and Legislature within one year before the task force expires.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey municipalities to establish electronic systems for receiving citizen complaints and distributing official municipal announcements. Under the legislation, towns with websites must provide an online complaint form, while those without websites will use a centralized form maintained by the Department of Community Affairs. Municipalities must also offer options for residents to subscribe to electronic notifications for public meetings, budgets, emergencies, and other important updates via email, text, or social media. The bill includes a funding provision, meaning these requirements only apply if state resources are made available to cover implementation costs, and it clarifies that actions taken through these systems are not subject to the New Jersey Tort Claims Act.
Maddy summaryThis bill directs New Jersey's Business Action Center to conduct a study on vacant commercial real estate and submit a report within one year to state officials. The report will examine how local governments track empty commercial spaces, how municipalities use existing rehabilitation laws, and what financial or technical assistance programs currently exist to help address vacant properties. It also includes a survey of business owners to understand their experiences with private resources for finding vacant spaces and will offer recommendations to improve how businesses locate available commercial real estate. The legislation primarily affects small businesses and prospective business owners by creating a formal review of state and local efforts to address commercial vacancy issues.
Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the sale, distribution, and manufacture of specific substances in commercial foods for human consumption and bans certain artificial dyes in school food. It directly affects food manufacturers, retailers, and school districts in New Jersey by restricting the use of ingredients like brominated vegetable oil, potassium bromate, propylparaben, and Red dye 3 in general food products, while also banning Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Blue 1, Blue 2, and Green 3 in school food. The legislation amends state food safety laws to classify foods containing these substances as adulterated and requires schools to exclude these dyes from all food and beverages served on school property.
Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits New Jersey health insurance carriers from reducing reimbursement rates for network providers during the term of existing contracts. It directly affects insurance companies and healthcare providers who have signed contracts with these insurers. The key provision prevents carriers from unilaterally lowering payments to providers for the duration of their agreements. The law takes effect on the first day of the third month following enactment and applies to all new or renewed contracts after that date.
Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits New Jersey's State Health Benefits Program (SHBP), School Employees' Health Benefits Program (SEHBP), and Medicaid from denying coverage for maintenance medications treating chronic conditions when a person's health plan or pharmacy benefits manager changes. It specifically prevents coverage loss if the person was already taking the medication before the change and the new plan covers that medication class. The law applies to all covered individuals under these programs who experience such plan transitions. It ensures continuity of essential medications without requiring new prior authorizations due to administrative changes.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the New Jersey Transit Office of Customer Advocate and a Rider Advocacy Commission to directly represent transit riders' interests. The Rider Advocacy Commission (appointed by the Governor, Senate President, and Assembly Speaker) will appoint a Rider Advocate who reports independently to the commission, not to NJ Transit or the Transportation Department. Key provisions require NJ Transit to immediately share documents about proposed fare increases, service cuts, expansions, or major spending with the Office, which must analyze impacts and report to the Governor, Legislature, and NJ Transit's board. The Office will also gather customer feedback through public meetings and online channels to inform decision-makers. This directly affects NJ Transit riders by creating a formal, independent channel to influence service and fare decisions.
Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (S 3702) restricts AI-generated content in election campaigns. It bans publishing AI-created campaign materials (like ads, social media posts, or phone messages) within 90 days of an election, requires clear labeling of all AI-generated content with "Artificial intelligence was used in creating this message," and prohibits deceptive AI content falsely portraying opponents. The law applies to campaigns, political committees, and individuals funding election communications. Violations are punishable as a fourth-degree crime, carrying up to 18 months in jail or a $10,000 fine.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires insurers to send written notices of cancellation or nonrenewal for auto and homeowners insurance policies by certified mail with return receipt requested, plus regular mail with proof of mailing. Insurers must obtain a USPS date-stamped mailing receipt showing the policyholder's address and retain a copy of the notice. The notice is invalid if not sent this way, directly affecting policyholders who receive these notices and insurers who must comply. It amends existing insurance laws (P.L.1968, c.131 and c.158) to enforce this dual-mailing requirement.