Maddy summaryS 1159 prohibits the creation and distribution of non-consensual deepfake pornography in New Jersey, imposing criminal penalties and civil fines up to $30,000. It specifically targets deceptive audio or visual media that falsely depicts someone engaging in sexual activity without their consent, defining "deepfake" as technology that authentically mimics a person’s appearance or conduct. The law directly affects individuals who produce or share such content without consent, while protecting victims of this non-consensual exploitation. Key mechanisms include criminalizing both the creation (third-degree crime) and distribution (third-degree crime) of deepfake pornography, with exceptions only for law enforcement or court-ordered disclosures. The bill is pending in the Senate Judiciary Committee as of January 2026.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 1992 requires certain employees and job candidates to undergo child abuse record checks. Specifically, it applies to public school staff (including contracted service providers), school bus drivers, and youth camp employees. These individuals must provide written consent and pay for the checks, conducted by the Department of Children and Families, which maintains the state's child abuse registry. If the registry shows a substantiated abuse allegation, the person is permanently disqualified from these roles, but they must first be given a chance to challenge the accuracy of the record. The bill mandates these checks for new hires and current employees (with a five-year implementation timeline for existing staff).
Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (S 315) requires the Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) to create special blue envelopes for individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder to hold essential driving documents. The envelopes must be easily recognizable to police, hold a driver’s license, registration, and insurance card, and include written identification of the holder’s autism diagnosis plus communication guidance for officers. It also establishes a documentation process for applicants or their caregivers to obtain these envelopes. The bill aims to improve safety and communication during traffic stops for autistic drivers.
Maddy summaryThis bill, the "Santiago/Ramos/Liu Police Protection Act," requires all new law enforcement vehicles purchased in New Jersey to have tinted windows that allow only the minimum light transmittance permitted under federal law. It applies only to vehicles clearly marked as police vehicles and affects law enforcement agencies buying new vehicles after the bill takes effect (four months post-enactment). The key provision mandates federal-standard window tinting for new police cars, aiming to enhance officer visibility and safety. The bill honors officers Rafael Ramos, Wenjian Liu, and Melvin Santiago, who were murdered in 2014.
Maddy summaryThis bill reinstates automatic annual cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) for retirement benefits paid to eligible retired members of New Jersey's Police and Firemen's Retirement System (PFRS). It requires the PFRS board of trustees to restore these COLAs to their previous statutory level without requiring additional contributions from retirees, provided actuarial certification confirms the change won't increase employer costs or jeopardize the system's long-term financial health. The policy directly affects retired police officers and firefighters who receive benefits under the PFRS. The change reverses a prior reduction to these automatic inflation adjustments for this specific retirement system.
Maddy summaryThis bill, S 2412, removes restrictions preventing police officers from being near polling places under specific circumstances. It allows police officers to travel to, remain at, or return from a police station located within 100 feet of a polling place for official duties. It also permits Class Three special law enforcement officers (defined for school security) to be assigned to polling places at public schools to maintain order during elections. These changes apply to all polling places in New Jersey, directly affecting law enforcement officers, polling locations, and election security protocols. The bill does not alter voting procedures or ballot handling.
Maddy summaryThis resolution permanently designates the last week in February as "Eating Disorders Awareness Week" in New Jersey. It requests the Governor issue an annual proclamation to encourage public recognition of eating disorders and promote early intervention and treatment access. The bill directs the state to send copies of the resolution to the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) for their awareness efforts. The measure aims to raise public awareness about eating disorders, which affect millions, and support those seeking help.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the "New Jersey Anti-Semitism Task Force" within the Department of State to research anti-Semitism and develop recommendations for addressing it. The permanent task force will consist of 18 members, including legislative leaders, representatives from Jewish organizations (like Hadassah and the Anti-Defamation League), law enforcement, and public appointees. It directly affects Jewish communities in New Jersey, where 200 anti-Semitic incidents were reported in 2018 (ranking the state third nationally), by focusing on research and policy solutions for hate crimes against Jewish people and institutions. The task force will operate under the state government to address rising anti-Semitism, as documented by FBI data showing Jewish-targeted attacks made up 58-60% of religious hate crimes in recent years.
Maddy summaryThis bill adds a constitutional right to choose whether to use assisted reproductive technology (ART), including in vitro fertilization (IVF), to New Jersey's existing reproductive rights protections. It explicitly expands the state constitution's recognition of reproductive choice to cover ART, ensuring individuals cannot be barred from accessing these services by state law. Any existing or new law that conflicts with this right would be deemed invalid. The change applies to all individuals present in New Jersey, including those under state supervision, and aligns with the state's longstanding support for reproductive freedom.
Maddy summaryThis bill suspends two specific charges on residential electric and gas utility bills in New Jersey for four months (June 1-September 30, 2025). It eliminates the state sales and use tax (under the Sales and Use Tax Act) and the societal benefits charge (under P.L.1999, c.23) that typically appear on customer bills. The suspension directly affects residential utility customers by reducing their monthly bills during a period when electricity rates are projected to increase 17.2-20.2%. The goal is to provide immediate relief from anticipated higher costs, as the state Board of Public Utilities announced upcoming rate hikes.