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.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryS 2964 establishes a three-year pilot program for Integrated Domestic Violence Courts in Camden, Essex, Hudson, and Middlesex counties. The program combines domestic violence cases with related family matters (like divorce and child custody) and criminal cases under one judge to improve victim safety, reduce court appearances, and enhance offender accountability. Judges assigned to these courts must have specialized training in domestic violence law, family law, and criminal procedure. The Administrative Office of the Courts will monitor the program and report to the legislature on its effectiveness after 12 months and at the pilot’s conclusion.
Maddy summaryS 1669 repeals a 1995 law (P.L.1995, c.63) that prohibited public colleges and universities in New Jersey from adding funds for legislative agents or organizations to student tuition bills. The repealed law had allowed optional fees for nonpartisan student groups influencing legislation only if approved by a student referendum, with specific disclosure requirements on tuition statements. This bill removes that restriction, meaning institutions could now potentially assess such fees on tuition without the prior referendum requirement. It directly affects public higher education institutions and student organizations seeking to engage in legislative advocacy. The repeal takes effect immediately upon enactment.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the "Reproductive Health Care Access Fund" in New Jersey's General Fund to address gaps in abortion provider availability and enhance clinic security. The fund will directly support three programs: (1) clinical training for health care professionals to expand access, (2) security grants for facilities facing threats like violence or cyberattacks, and (3) loans for reproductive health care facilities. It targets providers in underserved areas, including southern counties with no abortion clinics, as highlighted in a 2023 Rutgers report. The fund will finance these programs using state appropriations and interest earnings, aiming to sustain providers and protect patients.
Maddy summaryThis bill (S 671) requires most full-service restaurants (with 10+ seats) to stop providing single-use utensils or condiments to dine-in customers, instead offering reusable options that customers must return after use. Casual dining establishments may only provide these items if customers specifically request them, and online orders must default to "no utensils" unless requested. Exemptions include schools, hospitals, correctional facilities, and food courts (for two years), while pre-packaged items with attached utensils are also exempt. The bill also mandates the Environmental Protection Department to run an education campaign about reducing single-use items and imposes fines ($1,000 for second offense) for violations.
Maddy summaryThis bill, the "Ease of Doing Government Business Act," requires all New Jersey state and local government entities that provide public services (like issuing licenses, permits, or certifications) to simplify and speed up their processes. Within 180 days of enactment, these entities must review their operations to eliminate redundancies, reduce wait times, and increase efficiency, with annual reviews mandated thereafter. The law also mandates implementing user-friendly online tools and automated services using plain language, with options for language preference and a system for public feedback that must be reviewed within 30 days. It directly affects every government office handling public transactions, aiming to make interactions with government more efficient and accessible.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Medicaid program to cover social adult day care services for seniors aged 60 or older who meet the same clinical, income, and asset requirements as participants in the state's Medicaid long-term care program (MLTSS). It expands current coverage, which only applies to MLTSS enrollees, to all eligible seniors regardless of MLTSS enrollment. Social adult day care is defined as a community-based program providing non-medical support (like meals and supervision) during the day when caregivers are unavailable. The state must seek federal approval for implementation through Medicaid waivers before the coverage becomes active.
Maddy summaryS 2946 bans the sale of cosmetic and personal care products containing 1,4-dioxane - a chemical linked to cancer - in New Jersey, affecting manufacturers and retailers of these items. It sets strict limits: 10 parts per million for cosmetics and 2 parts per million for personal care products (reducing to 1 ppm after two years), with trace amounts allowed only if approved by the environmental agency. Manufacturers can request a one-year waiver if they’re actively reducing 1,4-dioxane but can’t meet the limits immediately, with a possible second year. The environmental agency must review these limits after three years to assess if lower levels are needed for health protection.
Maddy summaryS 2903, "MarcAnthony's Law," creates new criminal penalties for using defaced or stolen firearms to harm police officers in New Jersey. It classifies causing serious injury as a first-degree crime and causing bodily injury as a second-degree crime. The law specifically defines "defacing" a firearm as removing or altering its maker's name, model, or serial number (excluding normal wear and tear), and prohibits convictions from merging with other charges for the same act. This bill directly affects law enforcement officers and individuals who use altered or stolen firearms against them. The legislation amends New Jersey's criminal code to strengthen penalties for this specific offense.
Maddy summaryThis bill (S 2956) exempts specific entities and types of personal data from New Jersey's privacy law requirements regarding notification and disclosure of personal data. It directly affects covered entities like healthcare providers under HIPAA, financial institutions under the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, insurance companies, state agencies, consumer reporting agencies, and research organizations conducting federally compliant studies. Key provisions remove obligations for these entities to notify consumers or disclose data when handling information already regulated by federal law (e.g., health data under HIPAA, financial data under Gramm-Leach-Bliley, or credit data under FCRA). The bill was withdrawn on January 13, 2026, as it was already enacted as P.L.2025, c.367.