Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 2260 strengthens legal protections for patients and providers accessing or delivering reproductive and gender-affirming health care services within the state. The bill explicitly defines "legally protected health care activities" to include seeking, providing, or assisting with these services (such as abortion, contraception, or gender-affirming care), regardless of a patient's location. It prohibits obstruction, intimidation, or physical barriers at facilities offering these services and grants licensing boards authority to impose civil penalties for violations. This directly affects patients traveling to New Jersey for care (not available in their home states) and healthcare providers operating in these fields. The law codifies existing protections to prevent harassment or violence against these services, following increased threats and protests nationwide after the overturning of Roe v. Wade.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies how payments are made for non-resident students enrolled in New Jersey's Renaissance School projects, which are publicly funded schools operated by nonprofit entities. It requires the home school district of each non-resident student to pay 95% of the district's per-pupil expenditure to the nonprofit entity running the school, along with specific categorical aid and federal funds. The legislation also maintains that Renaissance schools must meet standard public school testing requirements and prohibits for-profit entities from operating them, while allowing the nonprofit operator to retain certain business entities for staffing and management purposes.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires all scrap metal businesses in New Jersey to implement specific safety measures. Businesses must conduct quarterly record audits to ensure prohibited items aren't present and take fire safety steps, including hiring trained fire suppression personnel and installing remotely operable fire suppression systems. The fire system requirement has a 5-year phase-in period, with full compliance due within 60 months of enactment. The law directly affects all scrap metal businesses operating in the state, focusing on preventing fires and ensuring proper recordkeeping.
Maddy summaryThis bill, titled the "John R. Lewis Voter Empowerment Act of New Jersey," is a commemorative resolution naming a state initiative after civil rights leader John Lewis. It appropriates $2.5 million but does not establish new voting procedures or protections. The bill primarily includes recognition language affirming New Jersey’s commitment to voting rights for protected classes and defines terms like "covered entity" for future reference, though no specific implementation mechanisms are detailed. As it is pending technical review and lacks concrete policy changes, it functions as a symbolic gesture rather than a substantive legislative action.
Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission to issue special license plates for vehicles registered in the state that display "The Borinqueneers" along with imagery representing the 65th Infantry Regiment of the United States Army. Vehicle owners can apply for these plates by paying a $50 application fee and an additional $10 annual fee, which are deposited into a dedicated fund. The collected fees, after covering administrative costs, will be used to support programs benefiting veterans of the United States Army through the Department of Veterans Affairs. The bill also establishes procedures for designing the plates, managing the fund, and coordinating between relevant state agencies to implement the program.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes New Jersey's "John R. Lewis Voter Empowerment Act," which sets new standards to protect voting rights. It requires courts to interpret election laws liberally in favor of voters, particularly protecting racial, color, and language-minority groups (defined as "protected classes"), ensuring their equal access to voting and registration. The Attorney General is designated as the chief enforcer to investigate violations, issue guidance, and litigate cases related to voting rights under this law. Key provisions include prohibiting unnecessary voting barriers and mandating that election policies be narrowly tailored to serve compelling government interests.
Maddy summaryS 2338, the "Climate Superfund Act," imposes strict liability on fossil fuel companies responsible for over one billion metric tons of covered greenhouse gas emissions during 1995-2026 (the "covered period"). It requires these companies to pay compensatory damages into a state fund managed by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). The collected funds will finance climate change adaptation projects - such as flood protection, infrastructure upgrades, and heat-resilient housing - as defined in the bill. This legislation directly affects major fossil fuel extraction and refining entities operating in New Jersey during the covered period, establishing a new cost recovery program without requiring proof of negligence.
Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies New Jersey laws regarding how parents, guardians, or custodians can delegate care for their children during emergencies and introduces a new method for doing so. It allows these adults to grant temporary authority to another person either through a standard power of attorney or by having a licensed attorney designate a caregiver via a simplified attestation form when immediate action is needed. The delegation is limited to one year, can be renewed, and remains valid only while the original parent or guardian retains their own rights, which take precedence in case of disagreements. Additionally, the law provides legal protection for anyone who acts in good faith based on this delegation and shields attorneys who properly create these designations from liability.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new certification program for zoning officers and land use board administrators in New Jersey to standardize qualifications for these local government roles. Under the proposed law, individuals must hold a state-issued certificate to be appointed or continue working in these positions, with a transition period allowing current employees to obtain certification within two years of the law's effective date. To qualify, applicants must meet age and education requirements, including at least two years of college coursework or equivalent experience, and successfully complete a planning and zoning course developed with input from various municipal and planning organizations. The Department of Community Affairs will administer the program, which includes a $50 application fee and allows for temporary appointments of uncertified individuals during vacancies for up to two years.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires pest inspections before demolishing buildings in New Jersey to prevent pests like rats and roaches from spreading to nearby properties. It mandates that a certified health officer or pesticide applicator inspect the site and issue a clearance certificate confirming no severe infestation exists, with the demolition applicant responsible for all associated costs. The inspection must occur at least two months before a demolition permit is issued, though it is waived if the building is structurally unsafe and poses an immediate collapse risk. Local officials retain the authority to reject a certification if they believe the initial inspection was insufficient, requiring further mitigation steps before work can proceed.