Sen. Paul Moriarty

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes clear standards for courts to determine if a rent increase is "unconscionable" (extremely unfair), considering factors like the rent amount, landlord expenses (e.g., maintenance, insurance), local market rates, tenant bargaining power, and property condition. Landlords must prove their increase isn't unconscionable, shifting the burden of proof from tenants. It also requires courts to keep eviction case records private if tenants win, unless landlords secure a possession judgment. The law excludes rent-controlled areas and regulated affordable housing programs from these standards. The main provisions take effect immediately, while the record privacy rule starts six months after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill protects unionized faculty and staff at New Jersey City University (NJCU) if the university merges with Kean University. It prohibits job loss, reduced hours, or other adverse actions for three years after the merger, and requires Kean to offer vacant positions first to transferred NJCU employees. The bill also ensures all existing union contracts, salaries, benefits, and seniority are maintained for three years, with a two-year grace period to meet new job requirements. These provisions apply specifically to employees in recognized collective bargaining units who transfer due to the merger.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 2104) expands New Jersey's existing restrictions on physical restraint and seclusion in schools to apply to **all students**, not just those with disabilities. It requires schools to **notify parents immediately** (via phone/electronic message) when restraint or seclusion is used, followed by a written report within 48 hours, and to hold meetings if a student is subjected to these methods repeatedly. Schools must also **collect detailed data** on all incidents (including duration, type, and student demographics like race, gender, and disability type) and submit it annually to the Department of Education (DOE), which will publish the data publicly. The bill aims to increase transparency and safety by mandating consistent monitoring, documentation, and data-driven review of restraint/seclusion use across all public schools.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 2116) restricts New Jersey's ability to end reciprocal income tax agreements with other states. It requires that any termination of such agreements must be done through a new law passed by the legislature and signed by the governor - not by administrative action alone. The change applies to all existing and future agreements, including the long-standing agreement with Pennsylvania. This ensures that reciprocal tax deals, which exempt income earned across state lines from double taxation, cannot be unilaterally ended by the state tax authority.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey school districts to implement safety measures for electrically operated partitions (like motorized room dividers) in classrooms and student areas. For new partitions installed after the bill takes effect, it mandates dual control stations requiring simultaneous activation, automatic reversal capability, and sensors to stop motion when objects are detected. School districts with existing partitions lacking these features must restrict operation to trained staff only, prohibit student presence during operation, and post safety signage. The bill also requires annual injury reporting, staff training on safe operation, and prohibits tampering with safety features. (Note: Bill is pending, not yet law.)

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 2096 adjusts state fuel taxes based on monthly average gas prices. If the average price of unleaded regular gasoline exceeds $4.50 per gallon, it triggers a 50% tax reduction; $5.01-$5.50 triggers a 75% reduction; and over $5.50 suspends the tax entirely for motor fuel and petroleum products taxes. The bill applies to gasoline, diesel, and other highway fuels sold in New Jersey during June-August 2022, requiring retailers to pass tax savings directly to consumers. Businesses must report tax savings and fuel sales to the Division of Taxation.

Maddy summaryS 2100 requires New Jersey's Commissioner of Education to study whether to increase geography course requirements in public high schools. The study must evaluate potential benefits and challenges of such changes, including impacts on students and schools. The Commissioner must submit findings within six months to the Governor, Legislature, and State Board of Education. Currently, high school students need 15 total social studies credits (which include integrated geography content), but no standalone geography course is required. This bill mandates a study but does not change existing graduation requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends legal protection for planned real estate developments (like master-planned communities) against civil lawsuits related to COVID-19 exposure or transmission on their property, pushing the expiration date from January 1, 2022, to December 31, 2022. To qualify for this immunity, developments must prominently display a required warning at communal space entrances. The protection does not apply to claims involving crimes, fraud, gross negligence, or intentional misconduct. This change directly affects developers of such planned communities in New Jersey by maintaining their legal shield during the extended period.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's State Board of Medical Examiners to process physician license applications so that the average time to approve or deny a license does not exceed 51 days after receiving all necessary application details. It directly affects physicians seeking licensure in New Jersey and the State Board of Medical Examiners. The key provision sets a strict 51-day processing deadline, and the Board must annually report to the Legislature on its progress toward meeting this target. The bill aims to streamline the licensing process without changing eligibility requirements for medical professionals.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's public colleges and universities to invite the Council on Compulsive Gambling to campus at least once per semester. The institutions must facilitate these visits to provide students and staff with information about gambling risks, counseling services, and self-exclusion programs for compulsive gambling. The mandate applies directly to all public higher education institutions in New Jersey and takes effect immediately. Note: The bill was withdrawn on January 13, 2026, as it was approved as part of P.L.2025, c.197, meaning it is now law.