Maddy summaryThis bill (A3739) makes it a fourth-degree crime in New Jersey to use devices that block or interfere with wireless communications, such as cell phones, Wi-Fi, GPS, or emergency services. It directly affects anyone using "signal jammers" (also called signal blockers or cell phone jammers), which prevent calls, texts, or emergency location signals. The law updates existing state law to explicitly prohibit interfering with radio communications licensed under federal law, including blocking cellular frequencies or using modified scanning receivers. These devices are already illegal under federal law, but this bill strengthens state enforcement by adding specific language to criminalize their use. The key provision ensures that jamming technology cannot disrupt public safety communications or commercial services.
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Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a minimum daily reimbursement rate of $950 for pediatric special care nursing facilities (SCNFs) participating in New Jersey's Medicaid and NJ FamilyCare programs. It directly affects SCNFs providing specialized long-term care to children and youth up to age 21 who require medical services beyond standard nursing care. Facilities must comply with state and federal regulations on licensure, patient safety, and care quality to qualify for this rate. The state will appropriate funds from the General Fund to cover the increased reimbursement costs, and the Department of Human Services must seek necessary federal approvals for implementation.
Maddy summaryThis bill, the Sexual Assault Evidence Submission Act, requires New Jersey law enforcement agencies to submit rape kits (sexual assault evidence) to a forensic lab within 10 business days of receipt and have them analyzed within six months, if staffing and resources allow. For cases collected before the bill's effective date, agencies must report unsubmitted cases within 45 days and arrange for submission within 180 days. The Superintendent of State Police must submit a plan for analyzing these cases - including a timeline and resource requests - within 120 days of the bill taking effect. Each submitted kit must include a certification stating it is for a criminal investigation.
Maddy summaryThis bill (A560) requires all New Jersey transportation network company (TNC) drivers - like those for Uber or Lyft - to complete an anti-human trafficking training course approved by the Attorney General. The training, which can be taken online, covers human trafficking definitions, how drivers can report it, and steps to respond to suspected cases. Drivers must certify completion to their TNC; failure to do so results in being blocked from using the app until certified. TNCs must also track and document completion in driver records within 90 days of the bill's effective date.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Office of Disordered Eating Prevention within New Jersey's Department of Health and creates a Disordered Eating Prevention Research Grant Program. The Office must develop an annual public resource on disordered eating (available in multiple languages and culturally sensitive), partner with schools and mental health programs, and administer the grant program. The grant program provides funding to eligible organizations - such as nonprofits, researchers, or service providers - to study the root causes, risk factors, and prevention strategies for disordered eating among youth, adults, and older residents. The Office must submit annual reports to the Governor and Legislature detailing the program's activities and findings.
Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 3089, the "Sexual Assault Evidence Submission Act," requires law enforcement agencies to submit sexual assault evidence (commonly called "rape kits") to designated forensic laboratories within 10 business days of receipt. It mandates that all submitted kits be analyzed within six months of receipt, contingent on available staffing and resources. The bill also addresses existing backlogs by requiring agencies to report unsubmitted cases within 45 days of enactment and to submit them within 180 days, while directing the State Police Superintendent to create a 120-day analysis plan for backlog cases. This directly affects municipal, county, state, and federal law enforcement agencies handling sexual assault investigations.
Maddy summarySJR 143 designates July 30 of each year as "Clarence 'Coach C' Collins Day" to honor his 13-year service as a youth mentor at University Academy Charter High School in Jersey City, where he developed workshops and connected students with community internships through the Department of Recreation. The resolution requests the Governor issue an annual proclamation to recognize his legacy of supporting at-risk youth and strengthening community engagement in Jersey City. This commemorative resolution has no legal effect beyond symbolic recognition.
Maddy summaryThis bill eliminates a $15 fee for special license plates designated for firefighters and members of first aid or rescue squads in New Jersey. It directly affects compensated, partially compensated, and volunteer members of fire departments or first aid/rescue squads who currently pay this fee in addition to standard vehicle registration costs. The bill amends existing law (P.L.1977, c.369) to remove the $15 charge, meaning applicants will only pay standard vehicle registration fees. The special plates (featuring a Maltese Cross with "F.D." for firefighters or a similar design for first aid/rescue members) remain available under the same eligibility rules.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey's Law Against Discrimination to explicitly prohibit housing and employment discrimination based on "source of lawful income." It defines "source of lawful income" to include public assistance, housing vouchers (like Section 8), disability benefits, veterans' benefits, child support, alimony, and other lawful payment methods. The law now makes it illegal for landlords to refuse rental payments based on the source of income, and for employers to discriminate against applicants or employees based on how their income is earned. This directly affects tenants and job seekers who rely on non-traditional income sources, particularly those using public assistance programs or housing vouchers.
Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits New Jersey higher education and proprietary institutions from withholding student transcripts due to debts under $2,000 for non-mandatory charges (like activity fees). It requires institutions to release transcripts for transfer, graduate programs, or employment purposes regardless of such small debts, but allows them to require repayment plans for larger debts (over $2,000) or mandatory fees (tuition, room/board). Institutions cannot charge extra fees for transcripts or use transcript issuance to collect debt. Students needing transcripts for new or refinanced student loans cannot have their transcripts restricted. The law applies only to students residing in the U.S.