Sen. Paul Moriarty

Maddy summaryS 1719 revises penalties for violating New Jersey's law against unsolicited text message ads (P.L.2015, c.119). It sets civil penalties at up to $500 for a first violation and $1,000 for a second violation, collected by the Attorney General. For a third or subsequent violation, the offense becomes a "unlawful practice" under the Consumer Fraud Act (CFA), triggering CFA penalties of up to $10,000 for a first CFA offense and $20,000 for later offenses, plus potential punitive damages. This bill directly affects businesses that send unsolicited text ads without recipient consent or that charge recipients for such messages.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill prohibits the sale, manufacture, or distribution of children's products (intended for use by children under six) containing lead, mercury, or cadmium. It requires manufacturers, distributors, or the Consumer Affairs Director to issue immediate recalls for such products and mandates retailers to remove recalled items from shelves within 48 hours and return all inventory to the manufacturer within 14 business days. Manufacturers must destroy recalled products within 60 days to prevent public access. Violations carry civil penalties up to $20,000 per offense or criminal charges (up to 10 years imprisonment for repeat offenses), depending on the violation.

Maddy summaryS 1738 (New Jersey Senate Bill) directs the Commissioner of Education to study whether to increase geography curriculum requirements for high school students. The study must evaluate potential benefits and drawbacks of requiring dedicated geography courses, though current rules already require 15 social studies credits (including geography integration) for graduation. The Commissioner must submit findings and recommendations within six months to the State Board of Education, Governor, and Legislature. This bill does not change existing requirements but initiates a formal review of potential policy adjustments. The study will inform future decisions about geography education standards.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends a legal immunity for planned real estate developments from civil lawsuits related to COVID-19 exposure or transmission on their premises, pushing the expiration date from January 1, 2022, to December 31, 2022. It directly affects developers and property managers of planned communities (like apartment complexes or subdivisions) by maintaining their protection from such lawsuits, provided they display a required warning sign at communal entrances. The immunity does not apply to cases involving criminal acts, fraud, gross negligence, or intentional misconduct. The extension applies only to claims arising from the pandemic period and requires the warning sign to remain in place.

Maddy summaryS 1751 requires New Jersey public school districts and charter schools to adopt anti-nepotism policies to receive state funding. These policies must prevent school board members, chief administrators, and other key staff from hiring or supervising their relatives (defined as spouses, children, or extended family), with limited exceptions for approved hires after a thorough candidate search. The bill also prohibits officials from participating in union negotiations when relatives are involved in bargaining, unless serving as a technical resource. School districts must implement these policies within 60 days of the bill's enactment.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 1717 regulates credit card interchange fees by prohibiting payment networks (like Visa and MasterCard) from restricting merchants' flexibility in accepting payment methods. The bill prevents networks from blocking merchants from offering discounts for cash or debit card use, setting minimum/maximum transaction amounts ($10+), or choosing which payment systems to accept. It directly affects merchants in New Jersey by giving them more control over payment terms and reducing fees they pass to consumers. The law aims to increase competition in credit card pricing and prevent inflated prices for all shoppers, not just credit card users.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (S 1739) requires school districts to implement safety measures for electrically operated partitions in classrooms and other student facilities. For new partitions, it mandates dual control stations requiring simultaneous operation by two people, motion sensors to stop movement if blocked, and reversal capability during operation. Existing partitions lacking these features must be operated only by trained staff with no students present, accompanied by visible safety signage and staff training on proper operation. Schools must also post safety notices, maintain records of training and maintenance, and report any injury incidents annually. The law takes effect one year after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey county clerks to provide accessible mail-in ballots to voters with disabilities who request them. It mandates that these ballots be delivered electronically and include features like audio instructions, digital marking, and the ability to verify selections before printing or submitting. Eligible voters include those who are blind, have visual impairments preventing standard ballot reading, or have physical disabilities affecting their ability to handle paper ballots. The bill specifies that completed ballots can be printed for mail submission or returned electronically if the voter meets the "electronic return eligible" criteria.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey rental car companies to allow renters to opt out of using the company’s electronic toll devices (like E-ZPass) or use their own device. If renters opt out and drive through tolls without cash payment options, companies may charge a fee up to $5 (capped at three times the actual toll cost), but no additional fees. Companies must clearly disclose all toll-related terms and fees in rental agreements and on-site, and obtain written consent for using their devices. Violations are treated as consumer fraud under New Jersey law, potentially resulting in fines up to $20,000.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 1489 sets rules for video visitation services and contact visits in correctional facilities. It limits video visitation costs to 11 cents per minute, requires facilities to contract with the lowest-price vendor, and bans extra fees or commissions. The bill mandates refunds for failed visits or poor-quality service and prohibits charges for visits with attorneys, legal representatives, or clergy. Correctional facilities must allow in-person "contact visits" with approved visitors and set reasonable visiting hours, while only imposing security-related conditions. The law applies to all state, county, and private facilities and takes effect immediately upon enactment.