Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey's assault law to create a new category of "aggravated assault" for attacks on specific professionals. It adds subsection (b)(5) to define aggravated assault when someone commits simple assault (as defined in subsection a) against: teachers, school staff, emergency medical personnel, firefighters, healthcare workers providing direct patient care, or other designated public safety or service workers while they are clearly performing their duties. The law increases penalties for these attacks by classifying them as aggravated assault rather than simple assault. The bill does not specifically target elderly or disabled victims, as the title incorrectly states; it focuses on protecting designated public service workers. The bill was introduced in the Senate on January 13, 2026, and referred to the Judiciary Committee.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill updates regulations for health care facilities in New Jersey, specifically targeting substance use disorder treatment centers and general hospitals. It increases daily fines for operating these facilities without a valid license or after a license has been revoked, adjusting the amounts to $12,500 and $25,000 respectively. The legislation also grants the state commissioner expanded powers to conduct inspections, require financial and quality reports, and appoint monitors for hospitals facing financial distress. Additionally, the bill allows third-floor occupancy in private long-term care facilities for owners, their families, and licensed staff.
Maddy summaryThis bill directs 50% of revenue from fees and taxes on real property transfers exceeding $1 million (applied to sellers of residential, commercial, and certain other high-value properties) to the New Jersey Affordable Housing Trust Fund. Instead of depositing these funds into the General Fund as current law requires, the bill mandates they support affordable housing programs. The change takes effect July 1 following enactment, with the Trust Fund managing these dedicated resources for housing initiatives.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires public utilities in New Jersey to provide advance notice before placing or removing utility poles in non-emergency situations. Specifically, utilities must inform the local municipality and make a good faith effort to contact telecommunications providers at least 60 days before any new pole is installed or an existing one is taken down. Additionally, a final confirmation notice must be given 48 hours prior to the actual placement of a new pole. The legislation also prevents the removal of an old pole until a new one has been in place for at least 60 days, ensuring a smooth transition of infrastructure.
Maddy summaryThis bill bans landlords and housing programs from using credit scores or credit reports to evaluate applicants for affordable housing. It directly affects low- and moderate-income households seeking subsidized housing or units restricted to such households. Instead of relying on credit scores, it requires individualized assessments of applicants' ability to pay rent based on income relative to rent (2x or 2.5x rent, depending on subsidy type). The law aims to prevent discriminatory rejections that disproportionately impact people of color, disabled individuals, and others facing systemic barriers.
Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits insurance companies in New Jersey from using a homeowner's credit history to set premiums, deny coverage, or determine policy terms. Specifically, it bars insurers from raising rates, canceling policies, or offering different discounts based on an applicant's credit score or payment plans. The law applies to all homeowners and prospective policyholders, ensuring that financial creditworthiness cannot influence their insurance costs. If passed, the measure would take effect 90 days after enactment, removing credit-based insurance scores from the evaluation process for home insurance.
Maddy summaryS 471 revises the membership composition of New Jersey's Fish and Game Council, which advises on fish and wildlife conservation. It replaces three of the six current "sportsmen" representative seats with three seats for individuals recommended by animal welfare organizations (defined as 501(c)(3) groups focused on animal protection). The council will maintain its 11-member structure, with the remaining categories unchanged: three farmer representatives, one Endangered Species Committee chair, and one land-use expert. This change shifts representation to include animal welfare advocates alongside sportsmen. The bill does not alter the council's size, term lengths, or county-based representation rules.
Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill prohibits developers of data centers from using non-disclosure agreements to hide details about their projects from the public or local officials. It declares such secrecy deals unenforceable and requires applicants to certify that no agreements were made to conceal development plans during property transactions. Local agencies must deny approval for any data center project where the developer violates these transparency rules. The law specifically targets data centers and does not apply to other types of construction.
Maddy summaryThis bill strengthens enforcement of local rent control laws in New Jersey by creating a new Rent Control Ombudsman within the Department of Community Affairs and providing $4 million in funding. It requires municipalities with rent control ordinances to establish clear complaint procedures and strict response timelines, while also allowing tenants to sue in court if their complaints are ignored for over 30 days. Additionally, the law authorizes the Attorney General to intervene and appoint a special master if a city shows a pattern of willful non-enforcement, and it permits tenant groups to represent multiple residents in legal actions.
Maddy summaryThis bill allows local government contracting units in New Jersey to award public contracts to a bidder whose price is up to 10% higher than the lowest responsible bid. Under this new rule, a governing body can choose a more expensive bid if they determine it offers the most advantageous combination of price and other factors, or if the higher bidder has a stronger performance history. The legislation also clarifies that local units may disqualify bidders with prior negative experiences, such as failed projects or defaults, after providing the bidder a chance to explain their situation. These changes aim to give local officials more flexibility in selecting contractors while maintaining accountability through defined criteria for both price and bidder responsibility.