Sen. Paul Moriarty

Maddy summaryS 1754 (Restricts authority to terminate reciprocal personal income tax agreements with other states) prevents New Jersey's tax agency from unilaterally ending existing tax agreements with other states. The bill requires that any termination of these reciprocal agreements must be approved by a new law passed by the Legislature and signed by the Governor. This directly affects New Jersey's Division of Taxation and states with which New Jersey has existing tax reciprocity agreements (like Pennsylvania). The change modifies how these agreements can be ended but does not alter tax rates or rules for residents.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Division of Consumer Affairs to collect specific data on professional and occupational license applications and submit a report to the Governor and Legislature within six months. The report must detail outstanding applications, processing times, common errors in incomplete applications, call volume, staffing costs, and technology investments for professions regulated by the division (e.g., nursing, contracting). It also mandates that the Attorney General develop profession-specific training for new staff processing licenses and review outsourcing phone services to improve applicant assistance. The law directly affects license applicants, the Division of Consumer Affairs, and its staff handling license applications.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires lenders, sellers, or other secured parties to deliver a motor vehicle's title (certificate of ownership) to the buyer via certified mail with return receipt after a loan or security agreement is paid off. It mandates that the secured party also file proof of the payment with the state within 15 days. The law applies specifically to the transfer of vehicle titles once a debt is satisfied, replacing the current lack of specified delivery requirements. This change ensures a secure, trackable method for transferring title documents.

Maddy summaryS 1711 requires members of New Jersey's independent state authorities (such as boards and commissions, but excluding colleges) to disclose if a relative has a contract with their authority. Members must report such relationships to the State Ethics Commission within 30 days of appointment or when a contract with a relative begins, including retroactively for existing contracts upon the bill's enactment. Violations can result in removal from office and fines up to $10,000 per violation. This law aims to increase transparency around potential conflicts of interest involving authority members and their relatives.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits businesses from sending unsolicited checks that automatically enroll recipients in services, charge fees, or create ongoing obligations when cashed. It directly affects businesses that send such checks, excluding checks sent in response to requests, as account substitutes, or by licensed financial institutions. The key change revises penalties: first violations face up to $500 fines, second violations up to $1,000, and third or subsequent violations escalate to consumer fraud act penalties (up to $20,000 for repeat offenses). The law aims to prevent deceptive practices involving "free check" scams that trap recipients into paying hidden fees.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits New Jersey state agencies from entering new contracts with businesses that require disputes to be resolved through binding arbitration (instead of in court). It directly affects state agencies and business entities that currently include mandatory arbitration clauses in their contracts. Key exceptions include existing contracts, contracts needed for public emergencies, and cases where arbitration might reduce competition for state contracts. The law applies immediately to all new agreements but does not alter current contracts or emergency procurement.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 1728) requires courts to provide legal representation for residential tenants facing eviction in New Jersey. It ensures tenants in eviction cases under Chapter 18 of New Jersey law can be represented by counsel, with courts allowed to delay proceedings to help tenants secure a lawyer. Courts must appoint a lawyer for tenants earning under 80% of the HUD-defined area median income (after taxes) or those proven unable to pay for legal help. The law applies immediately to all eviction cases filed on or after its effective date.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires companies and research facilities in New Jersey that use cats, dogs, or ferrets for product testing or research to assess these animals for adoption suitability after testing ends. If deemed suitable, they must offer the animals to animal rescue organizations or private individuals for adoption, following specific procedures. Facilities must report details like animal numbers, assessment results, and adoption outcomes to the Department of Health, with penalties of up to $50,000 for noncompliance. The law directly affects testing facilities, research institutions, and animal rescue organizations, aiming to provide a pathway for animals used in testing to find new homes.

Maddy summaryS 1736 restricts personal benefits for Port Authority of New York and New Jersey commissioners, officers, and employees. It prohibits reimbursements for personal vehicle use, commuting tolls, or non-work travel; bans personal driver services except for documented security needs; and requires written approval for travel expenses. The bill also limits tuition reimbursements to 50% of costs with a five-year service commitment and bans outside compensation for official duties or employment with vendors for two years after leaving. These provisions directly affect all Port Authority staff in New Jersey, aiming to prevent conflicts of interest and misuse of public funds.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires courts to notify local law enforcement when someone seeks to expunge mental health records that currently bar firearm purchases. It directly affects New Jersey residents applying to clear such records under state law (N.J.S.2C:58-3) to regain firearm eligibility. The key mechanism adds a mandatory step: courts must serve copies of expungement orders on county prosecutors, local police chiefs, and the Attorney General before granting relief. This ensures law enforcement can review the case before records are removed, aligning with federal background check requirements under the Brady Act and NICS Improvement Act.