Maddy summaryThis bill (S 2262) requires health care providers and insurers to obtain a patient’s explicit written consent before sharing medical records related to reproductive health care services - including pregnancy, contraception, or abortion care - with anyone outside the care team, unless specific exceptions apply. Patients must be informed of their right to withhold consent before receiving care or when sharing information about past services. Limited exceptions allow disclosure during medical emergencies, for legal compliance (like court orders), to protect against liability claims, or for investigations into abuse. Violations could trigger $1,000 penalties per incident, but the law explicitly preserves existing HIPAA protections.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits force-feeding ducks, geese, or other poultry to produce foie gras (a food product made from enlarged liver), except when done for a bird's health. It also bans the sale or distribution of foie gras unless the product comes from a state or jurisdiction that already prohibits force-feeding. Violations carry a written warning for the first offense, followed by $100 civil penalties for repeat violations (with each day of ongoing violation counting separately). The law takes effect 60 days after enactment.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires websites that primarily distribute third-party music or video content (like streaming services or platforms) to clearly display their business name, physical address, phone number, and email in an easily visible location (such as an "About" or "Contact" page). It directly affects online platforms operating in New Jersey that offer commercial music or audiovisual works to consumers. If a website fails to comply, copyright holders can first give the site 14 days to fix the issue before suing for a court order to stop the violation and recover legal fees. Violations are treated as consumer fraud, potentially leading to fines up to $20,000 per offense.
Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution (SR 52) urges major generative AI companies (like OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google) to voluntarily adopt specific protections for employees who report safety risks. It requests companies commit to: not retaliating against employees for raising concerns, creating anonymous channels for reporting to boards/regulators, and providing legal/technical safe harbor to protect researchers testing AI systems for flaws without fear of account bans or lawsuits. The resolution does not create new laws but asks companies to adopt these practices to improve accountability, as current whistleblower protections are inadequate for AI safety concerns. It directly affects AI companies and their employees who might disclose risk-related information.
Maddy summaryThis bill provides financial allowances (like tax credits) for redevelopment projects by colleges/universities or financially struggling hospitals under New Jersey's Aspire program. It allows these institutions to claim incentives during a defined eligibility period (up to 10 years, or 5 years for certain projects). The bill amends existing law to clarify key terms like "distressed hospital" (hospitals facing financial hardship) and "commercial project" to determine eligibility. Note: The bill was withdrawn after being approved as part of P.L.2025, c.313, meaning it is now law.
Maddy summaryThis bill permanently designates the 21.5-acre Caven Point Peninsula in Liberty State Park (Jersey City, Hudson County) as protected natural habitat. It preserves the area’s coastal wetland ecosystem, critical bird breeding grounds, and urban environmental education resource by overriding previous land use rules. The designation ensures the peninsula remains undisturbed for wildlife conservation and public education. The bill directly affects only this specific peninsula within Liberty State Park, with no broader geographic or policy implications.
Maddy summarySCR 65 is a symbolic resolution passed by New Jersey's Senate condemning Hinduphobia - defined as prejudice or hatred against Hinduism and Hindus - and anti-Hindu bigotry. It declares New Jersey a welcoming state for Hindu Americans, recognizing their contributions to U.S. society and citing documented hate crimes against the community. The resolution has no binding legal effect but directs copies to the governor, New Jersey's congressional delegation, and the Hindu American Foundation. It serves as a formal statement of support, not a policy change.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), counties, and municipalities to annually inspect all ponds, lakes, and water bodies in public parks for duckweed - a small floating plant that appears solid but can cause falls. If duckweed is found, they must post clear warning signs at the water body. The DEP must also create educational materials about identifying duckweed and provide pre-approved warning signs to local governments upon request. The law applies to all public parks, including state parks and local municipal areas.
Maddy summaryS 1647 is a proposed New Jersey bill that creates legal protections for minors receiving gender-affirming health care. It directly affects families and healthcare providers by amending child custody jurisdiction laws to ensure that a child's presence in New Jersey for gender-affirming care qualifies as the state being the child's "home state" for custody decisions. The key mechanism adds language to existing law stating that a child's location in New Jersey for this care meets requirements for custody jurisdiction under Section 13, and expands emergency custody authority under Section 16 to protect access to such care when unavailable in the child's home state. This aims to prevent custody disputes from blocking minors' access to medically necessary treatment. The bill is currently pending in the Senate Health Committee.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires landlords and condo associations in New Jersey to install and maintain approved child-protection window guards in rental units where children under 10 live, are regularly present, or will reside. It applies to all windows except those on fire escapes, non-opening windows, or first-floor emergency exits (with specific exceptions for first-floor windows under commissioner rules). Landlords must provide annual safety orientations and conduct semi-annual inspections to ensure guards meet safety standards for emergency egress. The law also allows tenants to waive the requirement in writing but permits them to rescind the waiver if they later request guards.