Sen. Paul Moriarty

Maddy summaryS 803 creates a program for New Jersey to acquire development easements on privately-owned woodlands, permanently restricting future development to protect land for farming, forestry, and conservation. Woodlands must be at least 20 acres, used for agriculture or forestry production, and managed under approved stewardship plans to qualify. The program will use existing farmland preservation funds and coordinate with federal agencies to access additional support, such as the federal Forest Legacy Program. Landowners who sell these easements retain ownership but lose development rights, with restrictions recorded to last indefinitely.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires used car dealers to pay off any remaining loan balance on a trade-in vehicle within 15 days of taking possession and provide proof of payment to the seller upon request. It directly affects dealers who buy trade-ins with outstanding loans and the consumers who trade in those vehicles. Key provisions include penalties of up to $2,000 for dealers who fail to pay loans on time, plus additional costs for late payments, and updated rules for dealers to provide proof of payment. The bill also amends title transfer procedures to ensure timely release of vehicle titles once loans are satisfied.

Maddy summarySJR 42 designates June of each year as "Gun Violence Awareness Month" in New Jersey. The bill requests the Governor issue an annual proclamation encouraging public officials, organizations, and citizens to observe the month with awareness activities. It is a symbolic resolution with no new funding, regulations, or policy changes - merely commemorating the issue through designated observance. The bill was introduced in the Senate on January 13, 2026, and referred to committee.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits used car dealers from selling vehicles "as is" under specific conditions, directly affecting buyers and dealers. It bans deceptive practices like misrepresenting certified vehicles when odometers are rolled back, vehicles have flood damage, frame issues, or incomplete inspections. Dealers must offer buyers a contract allowing returns without cause within 2 business days (after delivery), with fees capped at $250 for vehicles under $30,000 and a 250-mile driving limit. The law also requires clear disclosure of vehicle history (e.g., "salvage" titles) and prohibits disclaiming warranties, aiming to increase transparency in used car sales.

Maddy summarySCR 65 is a symbolic resolution passed by New Jersey's Senate condemning Hinduphobia - defined as prejudice or hatred against Hinduism and Hindus - and anti-Hindu bigotry. It declares New Jersey a welcoming state for Hindu Americans, recognizing their contributions to U.S. society and citing documented hate crimes against the community. The resolution has no binding legal effect but directs copies to the governor, New Jersey's congressional delegation, and the Hindu American Foundation. It serves as a formal statement of support, not a policy change.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (S 2099) permits emergency medical technicians (EMTs), mobile intensive care paramedics, and county medical examiner investigators to legally determine and pronounce death in specific emergency settings. It applies only when death occurs at home, in a motor vehicle accident, or during disasters (fire, flood, etc.), no physician or nurse is present, and clear signs of death are evident (such as decapitation, rigor mortis, or absence of heart activity). These personnel must either sign the death certificate or report the pronouncement to a physician or medical examiner. The bill updates existing law to expand who can formally certify death in critical situations where immediate medical professionals are unavailable.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Commissioner of Community Affairs to notify a municipality's clerk and mayor (or chief executive) in writing whenever an application is submitted for a license to operate a cooperative sober living residence. It directly affects local municipal officials by adding this notification step to the existing licensing process for these specific facilities. The key mechanism is the written notice sent to the municipality upon receipt of the application, ensuring local leaders are informed early. This change applies only to applications for cooperative sober living residences, not other types of housing licenses.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires retailers offering digital coupons (e.g., app or website discounts) to also provide in-store alternatives - such as paper coupons, kiosks, or checkout discounts - allowing customers to access identical savings at physical locations. It defines "digital coupons" as internet-only offers redeemable via personal devices (like smartphones), and "in-store alternatives" as methods to apply the same discount at the point of sale. Violations carry fines up to $250 for a first offense and $500 for repeat violations, enforced by New Jersey’s Division of Consumer Affairs. The bill applies directly to retailers selling goods or services, ensuring digital coupon benefits are equally accessible offline.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (S 2107) requires health care providers, health app developers, and third parties to obtain explicit consent before collecting or sharing residents' biometric data (like heart rate or fingerprints), health data (medical history or payments), or protected health information. It mandates a single initial consent for data acquisition but requires separate consent within three days for each disclosure to another party. Exceptions apply for medical treatment between providers, and the law does not override federal HIPAA protections. The bill was introduced in January 2026 and referred to the Senate Health Committee.

Maddy summaryS 2838 establishes the "New Jersey Reparations Task Force" to research and develop recommendations addressing generational harms caused by New Jersey's historical role in slavery and ongoing systemic racial discrimination. The task force will examine specific issues like racial wealth gaps (where Black families have a median net worth of $5,900 vs. $309,000 for white families), housing discrimination, mass incarceration, and voting disparities affecting Black residents. It will produce a report with policy proposals for state-based reparations, focusing on systemic inequities documented in the bill, such as Black children being 30 times more likely to be incarcerated than white children. The bill directly affects Black communities in New Jersey facing persistent racial disparities in housing, education, and criminal justice.