Rep. Garnet Hall

Maddy summaryThis bill phases in smaller employer coverage under New Jersey's family leave law by reducing the employee threshold from 30 to 5 employees over two years. Starting immediately, employers with 20+ employees must follow the law; one year later, the threshold drops to 10 employees; and after two years, all employers with 5+ employees must provide reinstatement rights after family leave. It directly affects workers at small businesses (5-20 employees) who previously had no legal right to return to their jobs after taking family leave. The law ensures these employees cannot be retaliated against for taking leave, aligning small business coverage with existing protections for larger employers.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the delivery of electronic smoking devices and tobacco products to anyone under 21 years old. It requires that any delivery to a residence must be signed for by an adult resident (21+), with an exception for U.S. Postal Service employees under federal law. Violations by retailers or delivery services can result in civil fines ($250-$1,000 per violation) and potential license suspension for repeat offenses. The law applies to all tobacco products and electronic smoking devices, including e-cigarettes and related components, and amends existing New Jersey statutes governing tobacco sales.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Health (DOH) to study racial differences in ovarian cancer outcomes. The study must examine variations in cancer effects, rates, risk factors, symptoms, and treatment results among women of specific racial and ethnic groups, including Asian, African-American, Caucasian, Hispanic, Native American, and Pacific Islander communities. The DOH must complete the study and submit a report to the Governor and Legislature within one year of the bill's enactment, after which the bill expires. The measure directly affects women in these communities by seeking data to understand potential disparities in ovarian cancer care.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey's Law Against Discrimination to explicitly prohibit housing and employment discrimination based on "source of lawful income." It defines "source of lawful income" to include public assistance, housing vouchers (like Section 8), disability benefits, veterans' benefits, child support, alimony, and other lawful payment methods. The law now makes it illegal for landlords to refuse rental payments based on the source of income, and for employers to discriminate against applicants or employees based on how their income is earned. This directly affects tenants and job seekers who rely on non-traditional income sources, particularly those using public assistance programs or housing vouchers.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits New Jersey higher education and proprietary institutions from withholding student transcripts due to debts under $2,000 for non-mandatory charges (like activity fees). It requires institutions to release transcripts for transfer, graduate programs, or employment purposes regardless of such small debts, but allows them to require repayment plans for larger debts (over $2,000) or mandatory fees (tuition, room/board). Institutions cannot charge extra fees for transcripts or use transcript issuance to collect debt. Students needing transcripts for new or refinanced student loans cannot have their transcripts restricted. The law applies only to students residing in the U.S.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey Assembly Bill A4175 requires the Attorney General to review and update the statewide use of force policy for law enforcement officers at least every two years. The policy must prioritize de-escalation, limit force to objectively necessary and proportional levels (with deadly force only as a last resort), and mandate duties like intervening, providing medical aid, and reporting incidents. This affects all county and municipal police departments, prosecutors, and the State Police, who must receive revised policies. The bill establishes a structured process for policy updates without altering current enforcement standards.

Maddy summaryThe Pet Insurance Act establishes a regulatory framework for pet insurance in New Jersey, requiring insurers to clearly define key terms like "preexisting condition" and "hereditary disorder" in policies. It mandates specific disclosures to consumers about exclusions (e.g., for hereditary disorders, congenital conditions, or chronic illnesses) and limits waiting periods to 30 days for illnesses or orthopedic conditions (with no waiting period for accidents). The bill also prohibits requiring veterinary exams for policy renewals and mandates that wellness programs be clearly labeled as non-insurance, separate from coverage. Additionally, it requires insurance producers to complete training on policy terms and consumer disclosures before selling pet insurance.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires public transportation employees in New Jersey (specifically those working for NJ Transit) to complete a one-time training course on recognizing and responding to suspected human trafficking. The training must include information about known signs and signals used by trafficking victims seeking help or observed in public spaces. Current employees must complete the training within two years of the bill's effective date, while new employees must complete it within six months of starting their position. The New Jersey Transit Corporation will develop the training, establish which staff must complete it, and ensure materials are provided to employees.

Maddy summaryAJR 67 designates the last week of April each year as "Reentry Week" in New Jersey. This resolution aims to raise public awareness about the challenges formerly incarcerated individuals face when returning to communities, such as finding housing, employment, healthcare, and reconnecting with families. It encourages state agencies, local organizations, and communities to observe the week through activities supporting successful reintegration. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic recognition of reentry efforts.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A5435) requires New Jersey's Division of Housing and Community Resources (DCA) to create a single, user-friendly online application form for all state and nonprofit residential utility assistance programs. It directs the DCA to partner with state agencies and designated nonprofits to integrate all existing and temporary programs - such as those helping households pay utility bills or improve energy efficiency - into one centralized website. The consolidated application aims to simplify access for residents struggling with utility costs by replacing multiple separate forms. The DCA must adopt necessary rules to implement this system, which would directly affect low-income households seeking utility bill assistance and the agencies administering these programs.