Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey telecom, cable, and internet providers to let customers pause or cancel service contracts without early termination fees when they move into a qualifying long-term care facility. It directly affects residents admitted to nursing homes, assisted living facilities, dementia care homes, or residential health care facilities for at least 90 days, as verified by a physician’s order or care plan. Providers must pause billing for a minimum 90 days upon admission, then cancel the contract if the resident remains in the facility beyond that period. The law mandates no fees for this pause/cancellation, though customers must provide physician documentation and typically give 45 days’ notice (or 48 hours in urgent cases).
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill revises how the "base year" is determined for New Jersey's homestead property tax reimbursement program when eligible claimants relocate. It specifies that for those who move to a new homestead within the state, the base year becomes the first full tax year prior to the move (instead of the year of relocation), but this rule does not apply to tax years beginning before January 1, 2021. The change directly affects qualifying seniors (65+) or disabled residents with income limits who own or rent a principal residence and seek tax reimbursement after moving. The policy update ensures consistent base year calculations for relocation claims under current eligibility rules.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Attorney General to create an internet-based tracking system for rape kits (also called sexual assault forensic evidence kits). The system will allow victims, law enforcement officers, healthcare providers, and labs to monitor a kit's journey from collection at a medical facility through testing and final disposal. It mandates the Attorney General to issue guidelines for this tracking system, ensuring transparency in the chain of custody. The law, which became effective in January 2025, directly affects victims of sexual assault, healthcare facilities, law enforcement, and forensic labs handling these kits.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires prosecutors to review driving records for defendants charged with serious traffic offenses like driving while suspended, intoxicated, or without insurance, to determine if they qualify as habitual offenders (having three or more convictions for these offenses within three years). Prosecutors must consult victims if bodily injury occurred before plea negotiations and submit driving records to courts before sentencing. The bill changes the process for determining habitual offender status - from the Motor Vehicle Commission to the court - and specifies enhanced penalties, including a $1,000 fine and up to 60 days in jail (90 days if bodily injury occurred), with sentences not running concurrently with other penalties. It directly affects drivers with repeated traffic violations by increasing accountability through clearer sentencing considerations.
Maddy summaryThis bill allocates $3 million from the General Fund to provide one-time bonus awards to specific state workers. It directly affects members of Local 195 of the International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFTPE) who worked frontline, essential roles during the COVID-19 pandemic. The funds will be distributed by the Division of Budget and Accounting in consultation with the union president to eligible employees across state agencies. The appropriation is supplemental to the 2025 budget and requires no new policy changes, focusing solely on compensating pandemic-era frontline staff.
Maddy summarySJR 50 designates November each year as "Caregivers Awareness Month" in New Jersey, focusing on unpaid family caregivers who support loved ones of all ages with health needs. The resolution requests the Governor issue an annual proclamation encouraging public awareness events and honors caregivers who provide an estimated 20.4 hours weekly of care - often without formal training - and contribute $450 billion in annual unpaid services. As a procedural resolution, it does not create new laws or funding but aims to recognize caregivers' challenges, including health impacts reported by 17% of them.
Maddy summaryCJ's Law (S 3981) would criminalize the manufacture, distribution, and possession with intent to distribute substances containing kratom (a plant-based substance with opioid-like effects) in New Jersey. It creates two offense levels: second-degree crimes (5-10 years in prison, up to $150,000 fine) for one ounce or more, and third-degree crimes (3-5 years in prison, up to $15,000 fine) for less than one ounce. The law exempts licensed practitioners like doctors, hospitals, and researchers who are authorized to handle controlled substances. The bill is named after Christopher James Holowach, who died from cardiac arrest related to kratom use alongside prescription medication.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey county clerks to automatically mail an application for a mail-in ballot to any registered voter who turns 18. It specifically applies to 17-year-old registered voters who will be 18 by the next general election, as permitted under current law. The key mechanism is sending the application on the voter's 18th birthday, rather than requiring them to request it. The state will reimburse counties for any additional costs related to implementing this change.
Maddy summarySJR 71 designates the first full week of May each year as "Wounded Warrior Appreciation Week" in New Jersey to honor veterans who sustained physical or mental injuries while serving. The resolution requests the Governor issue a proclamation encouraging public awareness and support for wounded veterans adjusting to civilian life. It does not create new programs or funding but formally recognizes the challenges faced by veterans, including those with combat-related stress, depression, or traumatic brain injuries. This ceremonial designation applies statewide and became law in December 2024.
Maddy summaryThis bill expands New Jersey's affordable housing voucher program to cover homeownership costs, allowing low-income households to use state vouchers for down payments or monthly mortgage assistance instead of just rent. It specifically reserves funds for seniors aged 62+, veterans who completed the "Veterans Haven" program, and families participating in a self-sufficiency initiative. The program also creates a Home Repair Emergency Assistance Fund to cover necessary home repairs for participants. This change, now law as P.L.2024, c.98, directly affects eligible residents seeking homeownership support through the state's rental assistance framework.