Sen. Paul Moriarty

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new crime for possessing digital instructions that could be used to 3D print firearms or firearm components without proper licensing. It targets individuals not licensed to manufacture firearms who knowingly possess these digital files, defined as computer-aided design files or other electronic instructions for programming 3D printers. Violating this law would be a third-degree crime punishable by up to five years in prison, a $15,000 fine, or both. The bill implements a recommendation from the New Jersey State Commission of Investigation to address this specific issue.

Maddy summaryThis bill makes it a crime to possess, sell, or manufacture machine gun conversion devices, which are defined as devices designed to modify semiautomatic firearms to fire multiple shots with a single trigger pull. It establishes a third-degree crime for possessing such devices, punishable by 3-5 years in prison and/or a $15,000 fine, and creates a separate third-degree crime for manufacturing, selling, or distributing these devices. The bill clarifies that firearms equipped with machine gun conversion devices are considered machine guns under existing law, which is currently a second-degree crime. This law applies to anyone who possesses, sells, or manufactures these conversion devices, regardless of whether they are also in possession of a firearm.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey Assembly Bill A4976 creates two new firearm offenses: a third-degree crime for accidentally firing a gun within 100 yards of occupied buildings or schools/child care facilities (even if unoccupied), and a fourth-degree crime for other reckless discharges. This directly affects anyone who unintentionally discharges a firearm near schools, homes, or businesses. The bill specifies that convictions for these offenses won’t merge with other charges, requiring separate sentences, and mandates consecutive prison terms if multiple offenses occur. Third-degree violations carry up to 5 years in prison or $15,000 fines, while fourth-degree violations carry up to 18 months or $10,000 fines.

Maddy summaryThis bill classifies tianeptine, an antidepressant medication, as a Schedule II controlled substance under New Jersey law. It makes possession, distribution, or manufacturing of tianeptine illegal without authorization, with penalties including up to 10 years in prison for larger quantities (second-degree crime) or 3-5 years for smaller amounts (third-degree crime). The law directly affects anyone possessing or distributing tianeptine, including patients prescribed the drug, as it would require a prescription to legally obtain it. The policy change aligns tianeptine with other high-risk substances under New Jersey’s Controlled Dangerous Substances Act.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A4651) imposes penalties on parents or legal guardians who fail to properly supervise minors, leading to specific juvenile offenses. If a minor causes property damage due to the guardian's willful disregard, the guardian faces a $1,000 civil fine. For a first offense where a minor incites a public brawl, the guardian could be charged with a petty disorderly persons offense (up to 30 days jail or $500 fine). For second or subsequent public brawl offenses by the minor, the guardian faces a disorderly persons offense (up to 6 months jail or $1,000 fine). The bill directly affects parents/guardians whose supervision failures result in juvenile adjudications under N.J.S.2C:33-1 (public brawl) or N.J.S.2C:33-2 (property damage).

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey state agencies to automatically enroll people receiving certain federal and state assistance programs into energy assistance programs. It targets recipients of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Work First New Jersey, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) programs. The Department of Human Services must share recipient data with the Department of Community Affairs and the Board of Public Utilities, who then automatically enroll eligible individuals into utility bill payment assistance or energy efficiency programs they qualify for. This eliminates the need for separate applications for these specific groups, streamlining access to energy cost help.

Maddy summaryThis bill redefines "motorized bicycle" to include all pedal bicycles with electric motors that can provide assistance while pedaling or be used with a throttle for propulsion, removing the previous "low-speed electric bicycle" classification. As a result, owners must now obtain a valid driver's license (17+ with basic license or 15+ with specific motorized bicycle license), register their bicycles, and carry insurance. The bill provides a six-month grace period after enactment for owners to comply with these new requirements. It also requires law enforcement to report motorized bicycle accidents to the Motor Vehicle Commission and Department of Transportation, and mandates an annual report on motorized bicycle usage and safety.

Maddy summaryBill A5538 prohibits New Jersey municipal water utilities from charging fire districts for fire protection systems when the utility is already charging water service fees to customers who are taxpayers of that fire district. This prevents double-charging for the same fire protection water service - once through utility bills and again through fire district taxes. The bill amends state law to require that water utility rate structures exclude such charges on fire districts under these specific circumstances. It directly affects municipal water authorities and fire districts across New Jersey.

Maddy summaryThis bill, "Max's Law," requires New Jersey public school districts to include age-appropriate instruction about fentanyl and xylazine dangers in health classes for students in grades 6 through 12. The curriculum must cover prevention, symptoms of poisoning, emergency response, and relevant laws protecting those seeking help. School districts must use resources from federal agencies like the CDC and NIH, and the state education department will provide materials and post online resources for staff, students, and parents. The law takes effect immediately, applying to the first full school year after enactment, with annual reports evaluating its impact on youth drug use and poisoning.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all New Jersey state agencies and local governments (including counties, municipalities, school districts, and public authorities) to purchase 5% of their goods and services from the Central Nonprofit Agency (CNA). The CNA distributes products made at rehabilitation facilities that employ people with disabilities. Key provisions include mandating training for purchasing agents on the CNA program, requiring quarterly reporting on compliance, and granting the CNA a "right of first refusal" for goods/services if priced within 15% of fair market value. The law aims to support employment for people with disabilities by ensuring a steady market for goods produced at rehabilitation facilities.