Sen. Brian Stack

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 2260 strengthens legal protections for patients and providers accessing or delivering reproductive and gender-affirming health care services within the state. The bill explicitly defines "legally protected health care activities" to include seeking, providing, or assisting with these services (such as abortion, contraception, or gender-affirming care), regardless of a patient's location. It prohibits obstruction, intimidation, or physical barriers at facilities offering these services and grants licensing boards authority to impose civil penalties for violations. This directly affects patients traveling to New Jersey for care (not available in their home states) and healthcare providers operating in these fields. The law codifies existing protections to prevent harassment or violence against these services, following increased threats and protests nationwide after the overturning of Roe v. Wade.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey Assembly Bill A4085 prohibits businesses from using consumers' personal data to set prices for goods or services. It specifically bans pricing strategies that vary prices based on biometric data, genetic information, or protected class data (like race, gender, or disability) through methods such as personalized algorithmic pricing or surveillance pricing. The law applies to all business entities selling merchandise or services within New Jersey and imposes fines up to $10,000 for first violations and $20,000 for repeat offenses, plus potential penalties like cease-and-desist orders. Businesses may still offer standard discounts, promotions, or loyalty programs, which are explicitly exempted from the ban.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill requires a jury, instead of a judge, to decide if certain defendants qualify as "persistent offenders" who deserve harsher prison sentences. The law applies specifically to individuals accused of repeated crimes involving stolen vehicles and shoplifting, provided they have prior convictions within a ten-year window. Under the new rules, a jury must determine whether the defendant meets the legal criteria for an extended term of imprisonment before the court can impose it. This change shifts the responsibility of establishing the grounds for enhanced sentencing from the judge to a jury trial for these specific categories of repeat offenders.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey bill A3497 prohibits landlords from using software or services that facilitate secret price coordination to restrict competition in rental housing. The bill makes it illegal for landlords to subscribe to "coordinators" (like property management software that analyzes real-time pricing data), for coordinators to enable price-fixing agreements, or for multiple landlords to engage in "consciously parallel pricing coordination." It directly affects rental property owners using such tools, excluding single landlords managing multiple properties under their control or legitimate multiple listing services. The law enforces these rules under New Jersey's Antitrust Act, aiming to curb software-driven rent hikes that contributed to a 35% median rent increase for three-bedroom units since 2021.

Maddy summaryThis bill, titled the "John R. Lewis Voter Empowerment Act of New Jersey," is a commemorative resolution naming a state initiative after civil rights leader John Lewis. It appropriates $2.5 million but does not establish new voting procedures or protections. The bill primarily includes recognition language affirming New Jersey’s commitment to voting rights for protected classes and defines terms like "covered entity" for future reference, though no specific implementation mechanisms are detailed. As it is pending technical review and lacks concrete policy changes, it functions as a symbolic gesture rather than a substantive legislative action.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Hudson County to return up to $28.1 million in unspent funds from previous state budgets intended for the Hudson County Jail to the state treasury by June 30, 2026. In exchange, the state authorizes a new appropriation of up to $28.1 million in general operating aid to the county, ensuring the new funding does not exceed the amount of money returned. The legislation directly affects Hudson County by mandating the repayment of specific past appropriations while simultaneously providing a mechanism for the county to receive fresh funding for general operations.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands protections for victims of human trafficking and other sexual crimes by removing the statute of limitations for prosecuting these offenses. It establishes specialized human trafficking response teams and increases training requirements for professionals who may encounter trafficking situations. The legislation also appropriates $1 million to the Commission on Human Trafficking to support these initiatives. Additionally, the bill includes provisions to allow victims to testify via closed-circuit television in court to reduce trauma during legal proceedings.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits New Jersey businesses from using consumers' personal data - including biometric information, genetic data, or details about protected characteristics like race, age, or gender - to set prices for goods or services. It specifically bans "personalized algorithmic pricing" (using algorithms to adjust prices based on personal data) and "surveillance pricing" (customizing prices based on tracking consumer behavior). The law does not prevent businesses from offering standard discounts, promotions, or loyalty programs. It directly affects all businesses selling merchandise or services to New Jersey residents and enforces penalties of up to $20,000 per violation under the state's Consumer Fraud Act.