Asm. Greg McGuckin

Maddy summaryThis bill (A1685) reinstates automatic annual cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) for retirement benefits paid to members of New Jersey's state-administered retirement systems, including teachers' pensions. It directly affects current and future retirees in these systems by ensuring their benefits automatically increase each year to match inflation, rather than requiring separate legislative action for each adjustment. The key mechanism is amending existing law to restore the automatic COLA provision that was previously removed, linking benefit increases directly to the Consumer Price Index. This change simplifies the process and provides predictable income growth for retirees without requiring new votes for each adjustment. The bill is sponsored by Assemblywomen Reynolds-Jackson and Speight and co-sponsored by multiple legislators.

Maddy summaryS 877 exempts municipal electric utilities from oversight by New Jersey's Board of Public Utilities (BPU) regarding their rates and operations. Currently, if a municipality provides electricity beyond its city limits, it is treated as a public utility subject to BPU rate regulation; this bill removes that requirement. Municipal electric utilities would no longer need BPU approval for rates, charges, or operations, though the BPU would retain authority to resolve disputes over service territories. This directly affects cities operating electric utilities that serve customers outside their corporate boundaries. The bill amends existing laws (R.S.40:62-24 and P.L.1983, c.78) to create this exemption.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A3865) requires public schools to include cursive handwriting instruction for students in kindergarten through fifth grade. It mandates that schools provide age-appropriate learning activities and resources to ensure students can read and write cursive by the end of third grade. The bill aims to address declining cursive skills due to digital technology use and supports cognitive development benefits linked to learning cursive. It directly affects all public school students in the specified grades across New Jersey. The requirement takes effect immediately for the next full school year following enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey public schools to teach cursive handwriting to students in grades K-5. It mandates that school districts incorporate cursive instruction into the curriculum, including activities to help students read and write cursive legibly by the end of third grade. The law applies to all public school students in these grades and takes effect immediately for the next full school year after enactment. The bill does not specify funding or assessment methods, focusing solely on the curriculum requirement.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a state program to permanently restrict development on qualifying privately-owned woodlands through easement acquisitions. Landowners with woodlands meeting specific criteria (minimum 20 acres, used for agriculture/forest products, or managed under approved stewardship plans) can participate. The State Agriculture Development Committee will administer the program using existing farmland preservation funds and seek federal programs like the Forest Legacy Program, with easements recorded similarly to property deeds. The goal is to preserve forested lands for agricultural, silvicultural, and conservation purposes.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all New Jersey public school staff (including those in after-school programs) to complete epilepsy and seizure disorder care training every five years. It directly affects school boards, administrators, and all school personnel who interact with students. The key provision mandates that training must be provided through a Department of Health-approved course from a nonprofit epilepsy support organization. This ensures staff can recognize seizures, provide appropriate care, and know when to seek help, as outlined in individualized health plans developed with parent input and physician guidance. The law applies to all schools in the state and takes effect at the start of the first full school year after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) program to acquire development easements on privately-owned woodlands, restricting permanent development. It directly affects landowners with at least five contiguous acres of woodlands managed under approved forest stewardship or woodland management plans. The program is funded through a new "Woodlands Protection Fund" using federal funds (including Forest Legacy Program money), private donations, state appropriations, and investment returns. Acquired easements must be recorded with local officials, and landowners are not required to provide public access to preserved woodlands.

Maddy summaryThis bill exempts municipal electric utilities that provide service beyond their city limits from regulation by New Jersey's Board of Public Utilities (BPU). Currently, such utilities are treated as public utilities subject to BPU rate approval and oversight; this bill would remove that requirement. The BPU would retain authority only to resolve disputes about service territories, consistent with existing rules for rural electric cooperatives. The change would allow municipalities to set their own electricity rates without BPU review for services outside their boundaries.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits pet shops in New Jersey from selling cats, dogs, or rabbits, repealing the previous "Pet Purchase Protection Act." It establishes a $500 fine for violations and allows pet shops to sell other animals or pet supplies, while enabling collaboration with shelters to showcase adoptable animals without exchanging payment. The bill defines "unfit for purchase" for animals and specifies that an animal's death within 14 days of sale (except by accident) would be considered evidence of being unfit. It also prohibits animal rescue organizations, shelters, and pounds from obtaining animals from breeders or brokers in exchange for compensation. The law does not affect pet dealers (not pet shops) or consumer rights for animals purchased from them.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (S 1067) requires the state's Department of Human Services to conduct a landscape analysis of mental health services accessible to deaf and hard of hearing residents. It mandates that mental health services be provided in a client's primary communication method (like sign language or speech), delivered by professionals certified in that method and trained in culturally appropriate care for the deaf community. The bill also requires the creation of a resource guide listing providers meeting these standards and defines key terms like "culturally affirmative mental health services." It directly affects deaf and hard of hearing individuals seeking mental health care across New Jersey.