Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 3694 prohibits businesses from owning, controlling, installing, managing, selling, or offering cryptocurrency ATMs within the state. It defines cryptocurrency as decentralized digital currency and specifies that crypto ATMs are internet-connected kiosks allowing users to buy, sell, or exchange digital currency using debit cards, credit cards, or cash. The bill amends existing consumer fraud law to make these activities unlawful, with penalties including fines up to $20,000 per violation and potential court-ordered restitution. This directly affects businesses operating or planning to operate crypto ATMs in New Jersey, aiming to address rising fraud losses - reported at over $110 million in 2023 - particularly impacting seniors with median losses of $10,000.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryS 3692 requires veterinarians to provide clear, written and verbal disclosures to pet owners before rabies testing on dead animals, detailing the testing process, body handling, disposal (including that the head may not be returned for cremation or burial), and prohibiting misleading language. It mandates that veterinarians distribute a bilingual pamphlet explaining rabies testing protocols and burial/cremation implications to owners at the time of rabies vaccination, and display a related poster in their offices. The bill also establishes an optional mental health training program for veterinarians and staff, which grants certification upon completion to promote trauma-informed care and reduce mental health stigma in the veterinary industry. Violations of the disclosure requirements are subject to consumer fraud penalties under state law.
Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits mobile service providers (like phone companies) and app developers from sharing customers' real-time location data with third parties without explicit consent. To obtain consent, app developers must display a clear, bold notice requiring users to actively agree ("I agree to allow my location data to be disclosed to a third party") before sharing. The bill bans selling location data entirely and allows sharing only when legally required (e.g., court orders) or for the specific purpose the user consented to. Violations are treated as consumer fraud, with fines up to $20,000 per offense.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires all New Jersey law enforcement officers to complete state-approved continuing training as a condition of employment, directly affecting officers and their departments. It mandates that private training companies or instructors must obtain annual approval from the Police Training Commission, including paying fees set by the Attorney General. Departments must provide training opportunities and verify officers' completion, while prohibiting officers or departments from using unapproved training. The law aims to standardize training quality and oversight, responding to concerns about unregulated private training highlighted in a 2023 state report.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes an independent Office of Inspector General (IG) within New Jersey's Department of Law and Public Safety (DLPS) but separate from its supervision. The IG investigates complaints about misconduct by prosecutors or their teams (including detectives), using confidential complaint processes and subpoena powers to compel testimony and documents. The IG must follow professional standards, refer potential criminal cases to appropriate authorities (like notifying the Office of Attorney Ethics for prosecutors), and submit public reports to the Governor and Legislature after investigations. The office coordinates with other oversight bodies (such as the State Auditor) and operates independently for a five-year term, with the IG required to have dual experience as both a prosecutor and defense attorney.
Maddy summaryS 3543 expands eligibility for grants from New Jersey's Civic Information Consortium by removing the requirement that applicants be tax-exempt organizations or have a tax-exempt fiscal sponsor. It directly affects community groups, media organizations, and technology-based groups collaborating with universities to improve civic information access. Key provisions require grantees to post a statement on their website acknowledging consortium funding, track progress using metrics established by the consortium, and submit annual narrative and financial reports. The bill also mandates that grant agreements include safeguards to ensure grantee independence from funders' influence over content. These changes aim to streamline grant access while increasing transparency and accountability for funded projects.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes New Jersey's "Resident Firefighter Grant Program" within the Division of Fire Safety. It provides grants to fire districts to create or expand resident firefighter programs, where firefighters perform duties (like training and emergency calls) in exchange for free housing. The program requires a minimum $5 million annual state appropriation, with funds used for dormitory construction, kitchen facilities, and incentives for resident firefighters. Grants must be distributed fairly across northern, central, and southern regions of the state.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's MVC to check the federal drug and alcohol clearinghouse before issuing or renewing commercial driver licenses (CDLs) or commercial learner's permits (CLPs). If the clearinghouse indicates a person is prohibited from operating commercial vehicles due to drug or alcohol violations, the MVC cannot issue, renew, transfer, or upgrade the license. The MVC must downgrade CDLs/CLPs for license holders who are prohibited from operating commercial vehicles, completing the downgrade within 60 days of notification. The MVC may reinstate privileges once the driver completes the return-to-duty process, ensuring New Jersey complies with federal requirements for commercial drivers.
Maddy summaryThis bill regulates the production and sale of "intoxicating hemp products" by setting specific THC concentration limits and requiring licensing. It defines intoxicating hemp products as those containing more than 0.5 milligrams of total THC per serving or 2.5 milligrams per package, which exceeds the 0.3% THC limit allowed for standard hemp products. Businesses selling these products must be licensed by the Cannabis Regulatory Commission, comply with product testing requirements, and cannot sell to anyone under 21 years old. Violations carry escalating fines: $100 for a first offense, $1,000 for a second, and $10,000 for third and subsequent offenses. The bill directly affects businesses selling hemp-derived products with higher THC levels that could cause intoxication.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey's bias intimidation law to specifically include Sikhism as a protected class, alongside existing categories like race, religion, and sexual orientation. It requires law enforcement to properly classify anti-Sikh hate crimes and provides $100,000 annually for three years to fund Sikh awareness education and outreach initiatives. The bill mandates training for law enforcement on Sikh identity features (such as turbans and beards) to prevent misclassification of hate incidents. It also requires public entities to incorporate anti-Sikh hate definitions into their bias policies and directs the Attorney General to develop educational programs about Sikhism for schools. These measures address the fact that Sikhs are the second-most targeted religious group for hate crimes in the U.S., with 198 anti-Sikh hate incidents reported by the FBI in 2023.