Sen. Paul Moriarty

Maddy summaryThis bill limits annual rent increases for tenants living in modular or manufactured homes to 2.5% over any 12-month period. It directly affects tenants in these specific housing types who rent their primary residence, as defined by the bill. Landlords violating the 2.5% cap must revert to the previous rent amount for the lease term and face penalties including $500 for first offenses. The law applies alongside existing "unconscionable rent" protections and does not cover affordable housing units or non-residential properties. It takes effect three months after enactment for new tenancies.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's State Board of Medical Examiners to ensure that the average processing time for physician license applications (from when all required documents are received) does not exceed 51 days. It directly affects the Board and physicians seeking licensure in the state. The key provisions mandate the Board to meet this 51-day average target and submit annual reports to the legislature tracking progress toward this goal. The bill takes effect 90 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryS 2547 requires public agencies receiving state funds for public work projects to publicly report monthly on their websites (or forward to the Department of Labor if no website exists) how much of those funds was used for contracts with minority-owned, women-owned, and veteran-owned businesses compared to other businesses. The Department of Labor will compile an annual summary of all agencies' spending and submit it to the Governor and Legislature. This applies to state departments, local governments, and other public entities using state funds for public work projects. The bill mandates monthly updates for transparency, with the Department of Labor ensuring data is centralized and reported annually.

Maddy summaryS 2545 creates a Deep Fake Technology Unit within New Jersey's Division of Criminal Justice to help law enforcement, prosecutors, and courts detect and investigate manipulated videos and audio (deep fakes) that appear authentic but depict false events. The unit will provide technical analysis, training, and expert testimony to state and local agencies, while collaborating with private sector and academic partners to share detection methods. It must issue annual reports on its work, deep fake trends, and recommendations for new laws. The bill appropriates $2 million from the state's General Fund to fund the unit's operations.

Maddy summaryThis bill removes an existing exception allowing smoking in casinos and simulcasting facilities under New Jersey's smoke-free law. It eliminates the specific exemption that previously permitted smoking in casinos with at least 150 slot machines or 10 table games, and in simulcasting facilities with dedicated seating for 50+ patrons. As a result, smoking will now be banned in these venues, aligning them with the general smoking restrictions in public places. The change directly affects all New Jersey casinos and simulcasting facilities operating under the state's regulations.

Maddy summaryThis bill restricts the sale of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) products intended for human consumption or inhalation, requiring sellers to hold a valid license from New Jersey's Cannabis Regulatory Commission. It defines THC broadly to include delta-8, delta-9, and similar compounds, and prohibits sales to anyone under 21 years old. Unlicensed sellers or those distributing THC products exceeding commission-established limits face civil penalties. The law allows temporary sales during pending license applications but mandates compliance with existing manufacturing, testing, and labeling standards.

Maddy summaryS 1022 would allow honorably discharged veterans in New Jersey to obtain special license plates displaying "Veteran" and their military branch insignia. To qualify, applicants must provide proof of honorable discharge (like a DD-214 form) and pay a $15 fee on top of standard vehicle registration costs. Surviving spouses of deceased veterans may retain these plates on their vehicles. The plates must follow a design approved by the Adjutant General and Motor Vehicle Commission, with details about eligibility included in registration renewals. The bill is currently pending in the Senate Transportation and Budget committees.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (S 1755) requires school districts to take specific steps when a student’s meal bill is unpaid. It mandates that districts first try to directly enroll students in free/reduced-price meal programs before notifying parents about arrears, and must provide meal application materials with any notice. The bill prohibits shaming students (e.g., forcing them to wait in line or serve different meals) or collecting fees directly from students, and bans threatening child protective services reports over unpaid bills. It applies to all public school districts and students eligible for meal programs, ensuring they aren’t penalized for unpaid fees while protecting access to meals.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (S 1765) requires businesses to disclose the usual single-item price when advertising "Buy One, Get One Free" or similar offers. It directly affects retailers running such promotions by mandating clear price transparency in advertisements. The law prohibits hiding the regular cost of merchandise by requiring the standard price to be shown alongside the promotional deal. Violations are treated as consumer fraud under state law, potentially resulting in fines up to $20,000 per offense or court-ordered penalties.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases penalties for New Jersey employers who violate wage and hour laws. It raises the minimum fine for a first violation from $100 to $500 (keeping the maximum at $1,000), increases the minimum for a second violation from $500 to $1,000 (max $2,000), and makes a third violation a fourth-degree crime punishable by fines of $2,000-$10,000 or up to 18 months in prison. Employers who underpay workers, falsify records, or obstruct enforcement face these steeper penalties. The bill also authorizes the Labor Commissioner to impose administrative fines up to $250 for first violations and $500 for repeat offenses, considering factors like employer history and business size.