Maddy summaryThis bill (S 1826) requires online platforms primarily distributing sexually explicit material (defined as "obscene material" under New Jersey law) to verify users are at least 18 years old before accessing such content. It applies specifically to "sexually oriented online entities" where more than one-third of revenue, user accounts, or content consists of obscene material - such as dedicated adult platforms or sites with significant adult content. The law mandates using approved age verification methods, including New Jersey’s driver’s license system, to confirm users’ age before access. It does not apply to general social media or non-explicit content, focusing solely on platforms meeting the defined threshold for obscene material. The bill is currently pending in the Senate Judiciary Committee.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits New Jersey sewerage authorities from charging new connection or tapping fees to property owners redeveloping land that was connected to the sewer system for 20+ years, regardless of whether the property was actively used after initial connection. Exceptions apply if the redevelopment involves adding structures, changing the property's use, or modifying existing sewer connections. The bill also requires authorities to reimburse property owners who paid such fees under protest before the law took effect. It directly affects property owners and developers redeveloping older connected properties in New Jersey.
Maddy summaryThe "Patient and Provider Protection Act" regulates pharmacy benefits managers (PBMs) in New Jersey, directly affecting PBMs, pharmacies (both contracted and independent), and patients who use prescription drugs. It requires PBMs to establish conflict-free committees managing drug formularies, ensures generic drugs are not disadvantaged over higher-cost alternatives, and bans commission-based PBM compensation in favor of flat fees. The bill mandates PBMs to prioritize long-term patient health outcomes, prohibits misleading marketing to steer patients to network pharmacies, and sets reimbursement rules: contracted pharmacies must be paid at least their acquisition cost, while independent pharmacies receive rates no more than 5% below the lowest contracted rate (but not below cost). It also bans contracts conditioning drug rebates on excluding generic drugs and prevents PBMs from restricting independent pharmacies from matching network prices and quantities.
Maddy summaryS 1295 allocates 10 percent of New Jersey's Green Acres funding to local governments for developing or retrofitting playgrounds that are fully accessible to children of all abilities. This bill specifically directs funds toward creating "completely inclusive playgrounds" (including modifications to existing facilities) for recreation and conservation purposes. The funding comes from the Preserve New Jersey Green Acres Fund, which supports land acquisition and development projects statewide. Local government units (municipalities) directly receive these grants or loans to implement the playground projects.
Maddy summaryS 213, designated as George Floyd's Law, makes it a first-degree crime for law enforcement officers to knowingly choke another person by pressing on the throat, windpipe, or carotid artery, hindering breathing or blood flow to the brain. This directly affects New Jersey law enforcement officers who use such tactics during arrests. The bill establishes penalties of 10-20 years in prison, a $200,000 fine, or both for violating this provision. It follows New Jersey’s 2020 ban on chokeholds (except in deadly force situations) and references George Floyd’s death, where a Minneapolis officer used a similar restraint.
Maddy summaryThis bill (S 1794) focuses on regulating medical cannabis business permits in New Jersey, not price caps as the title suggests. It sets a limit of 28 active medical cannabis cultivator permits (excluding microbusiness permits) and restricts entities from holding more than one permit type (cultivator, manufacturer, dispensary) during an 18-month transition period. Existing alternative treatment centers (ATCs) issued permits before or during specific application windows are exempt from these limits and can operate multiple business types. The bill directly affects medical cannabis cultivators, manufacturers, dispensaries, and clinical registrants by governing their permit eligibility, operational scope, and satellite dispensary rules. It does not establish price controls, as the title incorrectly implies.
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 creates a $50 million state fund to help municipalities revitalize vacant, abandoned, or foreclosed properties and convert them into affordable housing for low- and moderate-income residents. It modifies foreclosure rules to allow certified mail notice instead of personal service for tax lien holders seeking to foreclose, speeding up the process while complying with due process requirements established by recent court rulings. The bill directly affects municipalities (which manage property revitalization), tax lien holders (like counties), and renters who benefit from new affordable housing. Key provisions include the dedicated funding for rehabilitation and revised procedures to reduce delays in repurposing properties, addressing New Jersey's shortage of over 200,000 affordable housing units.
Maddy summaryThis bill (S 715) creates a "Small Business Interruption Grant Program" administered by New Jersey's Economic Development Authority (EDA). It provides grants to small businesses (defined as independently owned, employing fewer than 10 people with under $1.5 million in annual revenue) that suffer extended closures (over one month) due to state or public entity infrastructure or construction projects. The EDA would determine grant amounts based on the business’s operating expenses during the closure, funded by contributions from project entities (0-5% of the project’s estimated cost). Businesses must apply through the EDA, demonstrating eligibility under the defined criteria.
Maddy summaryS 1669 repeals a 1995 law (P.L.1995, c.63) that prohibited public colleges and universities in New Jersey from adding funds for legislative agents or organizations to student tuition bills. The repealed law had allowed optional fees for nonpartisan student groups influencing legislation only if approved by a student referendum, with specific disclosure requirements on tuition statements. This bill removes that restriction, meaning institutions could now potentially assess such fees on tuition without the prior referendum requirement. It directly affects public higher education institutions and student organizations seeking to engage in legislative advocacy. The repeal takes effect immediately upon enactment.