Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits wearable technology companies in New Jersey from selling or offering to sell consumers' health information without their express written consent. It defines "wearable technology" as devices worn on the body that track physical activities and health metrics, such as heart rate and sleep patterns, and applies to any company that develops or sells these devices. The law requires companies to obtain clear, written permission before monetizing data related to a user's past, present, or future physical or mental health condition. By adding this specific restriction to existing privacy statutes, the legislation aims to give individuals greater control over how their personal health data is used by device manufacturers.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill, S 2996, eliminates physician collaboration requirements for advanced practice nurses (APNs) in New Jersey, allowing them to practice independently without supervision or joint protocols. It directly affects APNs - registered nurses with specialized training in primary and specialty care - and aims to improve healthcare access, particularly in underserved communities and for populations facing barriers like low income or transportation challenges. The key provision removes statutory restrictions that previously limited APNs' scope of practice, aligning New Jersey with 24 states that grant full practice authority. The bill cites pandemic-era waivers (Executive Order No. 112) that allowed similar independent practice without adverse incidents, and notes APNs could reduce healthcare access disparities by over 38% if restrictions are lifted.
Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 3114, the "Law Enforcement Officer Protection Act," requires police officers and other law enforcement personnel to reveal their faces and show official identification before detaining or arresting someone during public interactions. Officers must wear non-concealing uniforms, display a photo ID card, show a numbered badge, or verbally state their name and agency. Exceptions include undercover work, medical masks (with physician approval), smoke protection during emergencies, or when safety or an investigation is at risk. The law applies to all state, county, and municipal officers and takes effect immediately.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires senders of commercial emails in New Jersey to include a clear unsubscribe option within each message. It ensures recipients only need to activate the unsubscribe mechanism to stop receiving future messages, without being forced to provide their email address again. Violations of these requirements would be treated as unlawful practices under the state's consumer fraud act, subject to monetary penalties and potential legal action. The law applies to any person or entity initiating commercial email advertisements or promotions within the state.
Maddy summaryS 593 requires New Jersey county clerks to automatically mail a mail-in ballot application to every registered voter who is 17 years old upon their 18th birthday. This directly affects 17-year-old registered voters who will turn 18 before the next general election. The bill mandates that counties send these applications without voter action, and the state will reimburse counties for mailing costs up to the standard rate for a two-ounce first-class letter. The policy aims to simplify mail-in ballot access for newly eligible voters at age 18.
Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits sports wagering licensees (like casinos and online sportsbooks) in New Jersey from offering "micro bets," which are live wagers on the outcome of the very next play in a game (e.g., whether the next baseball pitch will be a strike). It directly affects businesses operating sports wagering services by requiring them to stop this specific betting type and establishes penalties for non-compliance. The key mechanism is a clear ban on micro bets, defined as proposition bets concerning the next immediate play during an ongoing event. The bill aims to address concerns about rapid betting contributing to problem gambling, as highlighted by rising helpline calls and studies on athlete gambling risks.
Maddy summaryS 601, "Dylan's Law," requires vessel owners in New Jersey to receive specific information about U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal flotation devices (PFDs) when applying for vessel numbers. It mandates that the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission include details on required and recommended PFD types in vessel application forms, and that approved boat safety courses must cover this information as part of their curriculum. The law directly affects vessel owners seeking registration and boat safety course providers. Key mechanisms include adding PFD requirements to application forms and course content standards, ensuring boaters understand proper safety equipment usage under state and federal rules.
Maddy summaryS 585, "The Voter Convenience Act," allows voters in New Jersey municipalities to cast ballots at any polling place within their town or city on election day, rather than being restricted to their assigned polling location. The bill requires county election officials to create uniform guidelines enabling this system, using existing electronic poll books to verify voter eligibility and provide the correct ballot for their district. It amends election statutes to update sample ballots with websites listing all available polling places in the municipality. This change directly affects all registered voters in New Jersey municipalities by increasing voting location flexibility on election day.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey's bias intimidation law to explicitly include Sikhs as a protected class, allowing law enforcement to prosecute hate crimes targeting individuals based on their Sikh identity. The legislation also appropriates $100,000 in funding, likely to support enforcement and community outreach efforts. By adding Sikhs to the state's existing bias intimidation protections, the bill aims to address incidents of discrimination and violence against Sikhs, who are often mistaken for Muslims and have faced increased hate crimes following the September 11 attacks. The measure reflects concerns about rising anti-Sikh prejudice and the need for legal safeguards for this community within New Jersey.
Maddy summaryS 680 requires new artificial intelligence (AI) data centers and cryptocurrency mining facilities in New Jersey to use electricity exclusively from new renewable energy sources or newly constructed nuclear power. Applicants must submit an energy usage plan to the Board of Public Utilities detailing how they will minimize energy use for cooling, optimize water sourcing, and improve building efficiency. The bill aims to prevent these facilities from increasing strain on the state's power grid and raising electricity costs for ratepayers. All electricity must be derived from new clean sources as measured hourly, with no net decrease in verifiable clean energy on the grid.