Sen. Brian Stack

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey's pretrial detention rules to address how firearm-related offenses are evaluated. It requires courts to treat public firearm discharges (including those with "ghost guns" or conversion devices) as violent offenses in the Public Safety Assessment (PSA) risk tool, rather than categorizing them as lesser crimes like mischief. This change directly affects defendants charged with firearm offenses that currently don't trigger violent offense status under the PSA, potentially leading to stricter pretrial detention decisions for such cases. The amendment ensures the PSA more accurately reflects the danger posed by modern firearm threats, as highlighted in a 2024 state commission report.

Maddy summaryS 430 requires every New Jersey municipal clerk to post specific documents online, including forms, license applications, renewal documents, and license certificates, on their municipality's website. This applies to all 565 New Jersey municipalities and their clerks, who manage official records and administrative functions. The bill mandates this online posting unless prohibited by federal or state law, and includes a state reimbursement program through the Department of the Treasury to cover implementation costs for municipalities. Municipalities can apply annually for reimbursement of expenses related to digitizing and posting these documents.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey health insurance plans to cover at least one abuse-deterrent opioid analgesic drug per active ingredient on their prescription formulary. It limits patient cost-sharing for these drugs to no more than the lowest cost-sharing level for equivalent non-abuse-deterrent opioids. The bill also prohibits prior authorization requirements from forcing patients to try non-abuse-deterrent opioids first before accessing abuse-deterrent options. This directly affects health insurers (carriers) and patients prescribed opioid pain medications for moderate to severe pain.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 197) expands pretrial detention authority for defendants who violate protective orders issued under New Jersey's "Victim's Assistance and Survivor Protection Act." It specifically allows prosecutors to seek pretrial detention for contempt violations related to protective orders in cases involving domestic violence, crimes against minors, human trafficking, or endangering a child's welfare. Key mechanisms include requiring a court hearing within three business days of a prosecutor's motion, establishing a rebuttable presumption of detention for certain violations (like domestic violence), and mandating that courts consider whether any release conditions could ensure court appearance and community safety. The bill directly affects defendants accused of violating protective orders in these specific victim-sensitive cases, altering the process for determining pretrial release.

Maddy summaryThis bill lowers the minimum uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage required for transportation network company drivers (like Uber or Lyft drivers) and their companies when providing rides. It reduces the current $1.5 million coverage limit to $25,000 per person for injury/death (increasing to $35,000 after 2026), $50,000 total for multiple people (increasing to $70,000 after 2026), and $25,000 for property damage. The change applies to insurance plans issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2023, with gradual increases over time. This directly affects drivers and companies using personal vehicles for ride services in New Jersey.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 411) prohibits using software, devices, or technology to bypass security systems on online ticket websites. It directly affects online ticket issuers (like sports teams, theaters, or event promoters) and anyone attempting to circumvent these security measures, such as scalpers using bots. The key provision bans tools designed to disrupt equitable ticket purchasing, ensuring customers can access tickets through standard online processes. This aims to prevent unfair advantages in ticket sales while maintaining the existing legal penalty of up to 18 months in jail or a $10,000 fine for violations.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 394) prohibits public utilities in New Jersey from disconnecting electricity, gas, water, or sewer service to residential customers for nonpayment for 180 days after the coronavirus public health emergency ends. It requires utilities to offer residential customers who fall behind on bills a payment plan allowing them to pay over at least 48 months, rather than cutting off service. The law applies specifically to residential customers (not businesses) and covers all four utility services listed. Utilities cannot disconnect service as long as customers follow their agreed payment plan terms. This applies after the March 9, 2020, state emergency declaration ends.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new offense for entering animal enclosures without permission and harassing or provoking wild animals in captivity (like at zoos). It directly affects visitors, activists, or others who enter restricted areas, classifying violations as a misdemeanor (no harm), fourth-degree crime (injury), or third-degree crime (death) with escalating penalties up to 5 years in prison. Convicted individuals must pay for animal injury/death costs, and parents/guardians may be liable for juvenile offenders' actions. The law explicitly states that poor enclosure security, animal provocation, or self-defense cannot be used as legal defenses.

Maddy summaryS 2623 allows surviving spouses of retired police and fire personnel (PFRS members) who died while receiving accidental disability retirement benefits to enroll in New Jersey's State Health Benefits Program (SHBP) with all premiums paid by the state. It also permits these surviving spouses to continue receiving their pension benefits after remarriage - normally a reason for termination - without losing this benefit. To qualify, the surviving spouse must provide documentation proving the retired member's disability or related complications were a significant factor in their death. This applies to spouses of members who died before, on, or after the bill's effective date, and allows previously terminated pensions due to remarriage to be reinstated upon application.

Maddy summaryThis bill permanently designates the 21.5-acre Caven Point Peninsula in Liberty State Park (Jersey City, Hudson County) as protected natural habitat. It preserves the area’s coastal wetland ecosystem, critical bird breeding grounds, and urban environmental education resource by overriding previous land use rules. The designation ensures the peninsula remains undisturbed for wildlife conservation and public education. The bill directly affects only this specific peninsula within Liberty State Park, with no broader geographic or policy implications.