Sen. Britnee Timberlake

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 authorizes funding for on-demand micro transit services under New Jersey's existing Senior Citizen and Disabled Resident Transportation Assistance Program. It directly affects senior citizens and disabled residents who need accessible transportation options, as well as the New Jersey Transit Corporation and eligible counties that submit proposals meeting program guidelines. The bill amends state law to formally define "on-demand micro transit" as technology-enabled, shared transportation where individuals select pick-up and drop-off locations via phone or mobile app, and clarifies eligibility criteria for disabled residents and geographic regions covered by the program. The legislation requires coordination between New Jersey Transit, local governments, and advisory committees to integrate these services with existing transportation options.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Human Services (DHS) to create a web-based tool and mobile app to help residents meet new work requirements for NJ FamilyCare and SNAP programs. It directs DHS to partner with the Governor's Office of Volunteerism to build a searchable database of approved volunteer opportunities that count toward the 80-hour monthly community service requirement for NJ FamilyCare (affecting 1.8 million recipients) and expanded SNAP work rules (affecting 425,000 households). The system will allow beneficiaries to find, register for, and document volunteer hours online, with annual audits to verify compliance. The law aims to prevent beneficiaries from losing coverage due to administrative hurdles under federal changes to these safety-net programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires contractors working on New Jersey public works projects to verify that each craft worker meets specific qualifications. Contractors must register electronically and confirm workers either completed a federally compliant apprenticeship program or have four years of documented work experience in their craft. Workers covered by union collective bargaining agreements (which determine prevailing wages) are exempt from these requirements. The law directly affects contractors and craft workers on state-funded construction projects by setting clear, verifiable standards for employment.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires contractors working on New Jersey public works projects to verify that all craftworkers meet minimum qualifications. Specifically, it mandates that contractors register electronically and provide proof that each journeyperson has either completed a registered apprenticeship program meeting federal standards or has four years of documented work experience (with union members under certain collective bargaining agreements exempt). The law also requires contractors to confirm they participate in approved apprenticeship programs for any craftworkers they employ. These requirements apply directly to contractors bidding on or performing state-funded construction projects.

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.

Maddy summaryS 757 amends New Jersey's statute governing local government asset accounting to establish a specific period of usefulness for fire fighting apparatus and equipment acquired through purchase or lease. This change applies to all local governments in the state and requires them to use this standardized period for budgeting and financial reporting. The bill does not specify the exact duration but creates a uniform accounting standard for fire department vehicles and equipment, replacing the current lack of defined guidance for such assets. The amendment affects how municipalities account for these resources, impacting their long-term financial planning.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes New Jersey's "John R. Lewis Voter Empowerment Act," which sets new standards to protect voting rights. It requires courts to interpret election laws liberally in favor of voters, particularly protecting racial, color, and language-minority groups (defined as "protected classes"), ensuring their equal access to voting and registration. The Attorney General is designated as the chief enforcer to investigate violations, issue guidance, and litigate cases related to voting rights under this law. Key provisions include prohibiting unnecessary voting barriers and mandating that election policies be narrowly tailored to serve compelling government interests.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 1673) requires all electric transmission owners in New Jersey (including utility companies that operate power lines) to join and transfer control of their transmission facilities to approved regional transmission entities. These entities must be FERC-approved, separate transmission control from power generation, minimize duplicate charges ("rate pancaking"), improve grid reliability, and maintain independent governance. The law aims to create a more competitive electricity market by preventing multiple fees for the same power delivery and ensuring fair access to transmission infrastructure. The bill is pending before the New Jersey Senate and would take effect immediately if enacted.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill would require consumer reporting agencies to provide consumers with three free credit reports annually upon request, replacing the current one free report per year. It directly affects New Jersey residents who regularly check their credit history, allowing them to monitor their financial information more frequently without cost. The key provision amends state law to increase the annual free report limit from one to three, with no charge for each request within a 12-month period. This change would give consumers greater access to their credit data for financial planning and error detection.