Asm. Greg McGuckin

Maddy summaryACR 56 proposes a constitutional amendment requiring New Jersey elected officials to be suspended without pay if formally charged with a crime (including indictment). During suspension, a temporary replacement from the same political party must be appointed by designated officials (e.g., the Governor for congressional members, Senate leaders for state senators) or by a commissioner if the body fails to act after two attempts. If the official is acquitted or charges are dismissed, they return to office with full pay for the suspension period. If convicted or they plead guilty, the office becomes vacant and is filled per existing rules.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires developers of new planned real estate developments in New Jersey to install emergency power systems in common areas like clubhouses and community rooms. These systems must provide backup power during extended outages, meeting NFPA-110 standards, to allow these facilities to serve as shelters for residents. Developers can deduct up to $10,000 of the equipment cost as an expense (not capital cost) for tax purposes and receive a sales tax exemption on the equipment purchases. The requirement applies only to new developments, not existing ones, and aims to improve emergency preparedness following events like Hurricane Sandy.

Maddy summaryThis bill exempts public contracts for rebuilding or recovery work related to Hurricane Sandy from New Jersey's prevailing wage requirements. It specifically applies to contracts for public work addressing damage from Hurricane Sandy or the 2012 State of Emergency (Executive Order No. 104), but only if the exemption does not jeopardize federal funding for recovery efforts. If federal funding could be lost, the prevailing wage rules remain in effect. The change aims to streamline recovery projects while ensuring compliance with federal grant conditions.

Maddy summaryAJR 34 designates October 1 of each year as "New Jersey Diner Day" to celebrate the state's cultural and historical connection to diners. The resolution recognizes New Jersey as the "Diner Capital of the World" with approximately 525 diners - the most in any state - and requests the Governor issue an annual proclamation encouraging public observance. This ceremonial resolution does not create new laws or affect any individuals or businesses.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A812) prohibits New Jersey public utilities regulated by the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) from filing requests for rate increases during specific investigations. It blocks such filings when the BPU has ordered a base rate case to review whether a utility exceeded its authorized profit margin, or when the BPU has notified a utility it is investigating such an overage. The prohibition remains in effect until the BPU concludes the related case or investigation. This directly affects utilities subject to BPU oversight, preventing them from seeking new rates while profit-related matters are under review.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A703) would change New Jersey's homestead property tax reimbursement program, commonly called the "senior freeze," by lowering the residency requirement for eligible seniors and disabled persons. Currently, applicants must have lived in the state as homeowners for 10 consecutive years (with at least 3 as owners), but this bill would reduce that to just three consecutive years of continuous homeowner residency in New Jersey. The change applies to those who already meet the program's income limits (under $80,000 for 2009 tax year, adjusted annually) and own their principal residence. It does not alter the income thresholds or expand eligibility beyond current program criteria.

Maddy summaryThis bill limits initial prescriptions for opioid medications for acute pain to a seven-day supply, up from the previous five-day limit. Health care practitioners must discuss risks with patients, document medical history including non-opioid alternatives, and develop treatment plans before prescribing. Exceptions allow longer prescriptions for cancer treatment, hospice care, or when a practitioner determines more than seven days is medically necessary. For chronic pain treatment, practitioners must establish a pain management agreement with patients and review treatment every three months. The bill also requires practitioners to discuss overdose risks and may require prescribing opioid antidotes in certain cases.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a public online database called the New Jersey Internet Criminal Information Registry. It requires the Attorney General to list information about individuals convicted of specific serious violent crimes - including murder, robbery, carjacking, terrorism, and crimes involving serious bodily injury - while they are incarcerated, on parole, or in residential community release programs. The registry includes each person’s name, sentence, location, release date, and criminal history, but automatically removes all information once they are released from parole or supervision. Real estate professionals cannot be held liable for not checking the registry, and the registry will be funded using forfeiture proceeds from criminal cases.

Maddy summaryThis bill sets requirements for New Jersey long-term care facilities (including nursing homes and assisted living residences) during infectious disease outbreaks. It mandates weekly testing for staff and residents who travel outside the facility, immediate testing for anyone showing symptoms, and restricts staff from working at multiple facilities. The bill also establishes visitation rules allowing residents to designate up to two visitors for daily indoor visits with screening and testing requirements, while requiring facilities to provide isolation spaces for infected residents. These requirements remain in effect for the duration of any declared public health emergency.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) to create a public information campaign about low-speed electric bicycles, scooters, motorized bicycles, and scooters. The campaign will educate operators on safe operation, hazards to pedestrians, and their responsibility for others' safety. It also establishes a 15-mile-per-hour speed limit for these vehicles on all public roads, streets, and highways. The law directly affects anyone operating these motorized vehicles in New Jersey, applying to both existing and new low-speed electric models.