Sen. Brian Stack

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a $30 million pilot program to address unsealed spaces between buildings (called "open cockloft spaces") in Union City, Trenton, and Camden. It requires these cities to identify affected residential buildings and install fire-rated separations (like fire-resistant drywall) and other energy efficiency upgrades. Low- and moderate-income homeowners receive these improvements at no cost, while other property owners can pay through a 10-year property tax special assessment. The program aims to reduce energy costs, improve fire safety, and evaluate long-term benefits for urban buildings.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 736 bill would expand the state's identity theft law to specifically criminalize using AI or deepfake technology to impersonate someone or create false depictions for fraud or harm. It adds "false depiction" via AI-generated media (like manipulated videos or audio) to the existing definition of identity theft, making it illegal to impersonate others or misrepresent their identity using such technology to obtain benefits, avoid debts, or cause injury. Penalties would range from a fourth-degree crime (for minor harm) to a second-degree crime (for large-scale fraud or multiple victims), mirroring current sentencing tiers for identity theft. The law targets AI-driven impersonation that causes financial loss, reputational damage, or other harm, but does not regulate general AI use.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires healthcare providers in New Jersey to give parents or guardians access to medical records of minor patients, including records related to reproductive health services that are legal in the state. It specifically protects access to records about permitted reproductive care (like contraception or pregnancy services) while ensuring parents/guardians can obtain other medical information. Healthcare facilities and professionals providing this access are granted legal immunity from liability. The law amends existing privacy rules to clarify these access requirements and protections, applying to all minor patients except where specific exceptions apply (like child abuse concerns).

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 1592 establishes the first state definition of Islamophobia for use in civil and criminal cases. The bill defines Islamophobia as racism targeting Muslim identity or perceived Muslim identity, including specific examples like stereotyping, verbal abuse, discrimination in institutions, and false conspiracy claims about Muslims. State officials, law enforcement, and educational institutions must use this definition when investigating hate crimes or discrimination cases motivated by anti-Muslim bias under existing laws. The definition explicitly excludes criticism of Muslim-majority countries that would apply equally to other nations, and the bill clarifies it does not override First Amendment protections or existing anti-discrimination laws.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 427 allows public high school students observing Ramadan to substitute required physical education with an instructional course or study hall during Ramadan, provided they submit written notice to their principal before scheduling. Student-athletes may similarly be excused from sports, cheerleading, or intramural programs with written notice to their coach, without penalty. The substitute activity must provide equivalent graduation credits, and the policy applies to the first full academic year after enactment. The bill does not affect existing requirements for health and safety education courses.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health insurance companies (called "carriers") in New Jersey to cover all hospitalization costs for patients diagnosed with COVID-19, without charging deductibles, copays, or coinsurance. It directly affects insured residents hospitalized due to coronavirus, ensuring they face no out-of-pocket costs for this specific treatment. The law applies to all health insurance plans issued or renewed in New Jersey after its effective date, including state-run programs like the State Health Benefits Program. Key provisions mandate that insurers cover these hospitalization expenses in full, removing financial barriers during treatment. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment for new or renewed health plans.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 288 prohibits using software, devices, or technology to bypass security systems on online ticket websites. It targets individuals or businesses that employ bots or other tools to circumvent measures designed to ensure fair ticket sales for events like concerts or sports games. The bill directly affects those who use such technology to secure tickets before regular customers, including ticket resellers and "ticket brokers" who charge excessive fees. Violations are punishable as a fourth-degree crime, carrying penalties of up to 18 months in prison or a $10,000 fine. The law applies to any online ticket issuer, such as venues, sports teams, or event promoters selling tickets directly online.

Maddy summaryS 299 extends the early voting period for primary and general elections in New Jersey by starting early voting earlier: for non-presidential primaries, it now begins 11 days before instead of 4 days; for presidential primaries, 11 days before instead of 6 days; and for general elections, 11 days before instead of 10 days. It also allows municipalities holding May municipal elections to adopt early voting with a start date of either 4 or 11 days before the election. Early voting must use machines that produce a paper ballot, and counties must establish a specific number of public locations for voting based on population. This bill directly affects registered voters in New Jersey who participate in these elections.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 272) ensures that if state funds dedicated to support the Alliance to Prevent Alcoholism and Drug Abuse (a network of community coalitions) fall short during fiscal years 2022-2023, the Governor must use federal pandemic relief funds (like CARES Act or American Rescue Plan funds) to cover the shortfall. It directly affects the Alliance’s ability to maintain its community-based programs, including school initiatives, treatment interventions, and public awareness campaigns. The bill does not create new funding but redirects existing federal pandemic assistance to stabilize the Alliance’s operations when state revenue declines unexpectedly. (S 272, introduced January 9, 2024)

Maddy summaryS 294 requires New Jersey's Homelessness Prevention Program (HPP) agencies to stay open during public health emergencies, directly affecting homeless assistance organizations in populous counties (those with 350,000+ residents). The bill mandates the Department of Community Affairs to fund one HPP agency per populous county year-round and ensures these agencies remain operational throughout emergencies like pandemics. If federal pandemic funds fall short, the state can request supplemental funding from the General Fund or other state sources to cover the shortfall. This bill focuses on maintaining critical homelessness services during crises, with no new eligibility rules or program expansions.