Asm. Margie Donlon

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to study how data centers impact electricity rates for residential customers. The BPU must determine if non-data center customers unfairly subsidize data center costs, whether infrastructure for data centers causes unreasonable rate hikes, and project the future portion of residential rates attributable to data centers over the next 20 years. The study will also evaluate policy options to prevent rate increases from data center growth. The BPU must complete the study within one year and submit a report to the governor and legislature within 15 months.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits public institutions of higher education in New Jersey from entering into sports wagering partnerships that involve advertising or marketing in stadiums, digital/broadcast sports content, or other campus-related channels. It specifically bans agreements between universities (including athletic departments or booster clubs) and sports wagering operators for student or campus audience access. Exceptions exist for academic partnerships with casinos/sports wagering licensees that provide student learning opportunities, and for related foundations that avoid direct student advertising (e.g., no on-campus marketing or targeted digital ads to enrolled students). The law takes effect immediately upon approval.

Maddy summaryThis bill removes the prohibition on medical cannabis dispensaries establishing satellite locations in New Jersey. It allows dispensaries to open one satellite location after obtaining approval from the Cannabis Regulatory Commission. The bill specifically permits alternative treatment centers that received permits before or after the effective date of P.L.2019, c.153 to maintain up to two satellite locations, while other dispensaries can establish only one satellite location. This change aims to expand access to medical cannabis services while maintaining regulatory oversight through commission approval.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Rutgers University (including University Hospital) to provide resident and fellow physicians who are eligible for the State Health Benefits Program (SHBP) with immediate health insurance enrollment on their first day of employment. Current employees eligible for SHBP will gain coverage immediately upon the bill's effective date. The law applies to these physicians and their dependents, eliminating previous delays in access to health coverage for this group.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to revise community solar program targets to add 3,000 megawatts of solar capacity, to be registered by December 31, 2029. The BPU must open registration for this capacity by August 1, 2025, and accept applications until the target is met or the deadline passes. The bill also removes the previous annual goal of 150 megawatts for the program. It maintains existing requirements for low and moderate income customer participation and project standards, including access to solar energy and monthly reporting.

Maddy summaryThis bill makes permanent an annual $500,000 allocation from the Clean Communities Program Fund for public outreach about New Jersey's single-use plastics reduction program. The fund is financed by fees from businesses that produce litter-generating products, penalties, and voluntary donations. The funds will continue to support public education campaigns and the distribution of reusable bags, as established under current law. This change removes the temporary three-year limit that previously applied to this specific allocation.

Maddy summaryThe bill appropriates state and federal funds to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection for environmental infrastructure projects in fiscal year 2026. It authorizes the DEP to provide zero-interest and principal-forgiveness loans to local governments and public water utilities for clean water and drinking water projects, including 151 clean water projects totaling $1.7 billion and 59 drinking water projects totaling $651.7 million. The bill specifies different funding mechanisms, including full principal forgiveness for qualifying projects and blended interest rates for larger projects, with all funding expiring on July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey school boards to award preschool education contracts directly to licensed childcare providers or Head Start programs without public bidding, through a board resolution. It extends the maximum contract term for these services from two years to three years. Boards must still document their reasons for using this exception and make contracts available for public inspection. The bill specifically applies to preschool services supported by state preschool education aid.

Maddy summaryAJR 216 is a joint resolution directing New Jersey's Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to investigate whether PJM Interconnection's Reliability Pricing Model (capacity market) effectively provides reliable electricity at the lowest cost. The bill requires the BPU to report its findings within 12 months and directs the state to collaborate with neighboring PJM states to promote affordable energy practices, prioritize carbon-free sources, and urge PJM to implement market reforms. It specifically addresses rising capacity costs in PJM's auctions - contributing to higher electricity bills - and delays in approving new generation projects that prevent lower-cost resources from entering the market. The resolution aims to protect ratepayers, particularly low-income households, from price increases while supporting grid reliability.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $107,999,000 from constitutionally dedicated corporation business tax revenues and Green Acres funds to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection for local government open space and park projects. The funds will support $22.4 million for land acquisition, $80.3 million for park development (including inclusive playgrounds), and $3 million for a new planning grant program. It prioritizes projects in densely populated areas (defined as municipalities with at least 5,000 people per square mile or 35,000 people total) and requires Joint Budget Oversight Committee approval for fund distribution. The bill specifies eligible projects across 30+ municipalities and counties for recreation, conservation, and park improvements. Local governments will use these funds to develop recreational spaces, conserve natural areas, and enhance existing parks.