Asm. Margie Donlon

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all electric public utilities in New Jersey to create and submit detailed grid modernization plans within one year. The plans must outline specific projects to modernize the electricity distribution system, including integrating energy storage, improving storm resilience, supporting renewable energy connections, and reducing outages. Utilities must include cost estimates and timelines, and the Board of Public Utilities must review and approve the plans within 240 days. Once approved, utilities must begin implementing the plan within 90 days. The bill directly affects all electric utilities serving New Jersey customers, aiming to enhance grid reliability and support state climate goals.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A6301) reduces the minimum required annual thoroughbred horse racing dates for two New Jersey racetracks. Specifically, it lowers the minimum from 50 to 25 race dates per year for permit holders at Monmouth Park and Meadowlands Racetrack, but only if they obtain written consent from the New Jersey Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association. The change applies to the combined requirement for these two tracks, which currently must schedule at least 141 dates total (with a 50-date minimum). The bill does not alter the existing minimums for standardbred racing at Meadowlands or Freehold Raceway.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A6275) appropriates $44.4 million from constitutionally dedicated corporation business tax (CBT) revenues to New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). The funds are specifically allocated for acquiring lands for recreation and conservation, including Blue Acres flood mitigation projects and administrative costs for the Green Acres Program. The bill directs funding toward 15 specific land acquisition projects across six counties (Monmouth, Ocean, Cape May, Atlantic, Bergen, and Burlington), as detailed in the bill text. It does not create new policy but redirects existing constitutionally protected tax revenues to support land conservation efforts.

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.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows a request for guardianship to be filed up to six months before a minor turns 18, if the minor is expected to need a legal guardian at age 18. The guardianship arrangement would only become effective on the minor's 18th birthday, preventing gaps in legal protection during the transition to adulthood. It also requires that such requests cannot be withdrawn without proof the minor is deceased or has decision-making capacity, which can be shown through testimony rather than medical evidence. This change aims to streamline the process for minors who require ongoing guardianship support after turning 18.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey school boards to lease school properties no longer needed for educational purposes to federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) without competitive bidding. It adds FQHCs to the existing list of entities - such as government agencies, fire departments, and certain nonprofits - that can lease such property for a nominal fee without bidding. Leases must be compatible with school operations, as determined by the state education commissioner. This change simplifies access to school facilities for FQHCs, which provide community healthcare services.

Maddy summaryAJR 122 designates the last weekend in October each year as "Honor Your Hometown Weekend" in New Jersey. It requests the Governor to issue an annual proclamation encouraging public officials and residents to celebrate their hometowns through community events. The resolution also asks the Governor to urge Congress and the President to create a similar national observance. This is a ceremonial resolution with no new laws, funding, or binding requirements - it simply recognizes hometowns as unifying community assets. It affects all New Jersey residents by formally designating a time for local community appreciation.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Agriculture to include aquaculture products (fish and shellfish raised through farming in the state or state waters) in the existing Jersey Fresh Program, which currently promotes locally grown produce. It mandates the department to develop a specific quality grading system for these aquaculture products and allocate $100,000 annually from the General Fund for advertising and promotion. The funding supports marketing efforts to help New Jersey aquaculture producers compete in the marketplace, with the program expanding the Jersey Fresh Program's scope beyond traditional agricultural commodities. The bill directly affects state aquaculture businesses by creating a dedicated marketing channel for their products.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Human Services to create a public awareness campaign about doulas. It mandates the campaign to explain doulas' role before, during, and after pregnancy; describe their services and benefits; and list free or low-cost resources for doula care. The campaign must develop materials in the top 10 languages spoken in New Jersey and distribute them online and through health clinics, WIC offices, Planned Parenthood, pharmacies, and community organizations. The bill directly affects residents seeking maternal care by improving access to information about doula services, without changing healthcare eligibility or funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey law enforcement officers to conduct a standardized danger assessment for individuals they reasonably believe are victims of domestic violence. The assessment, done with the victim's consent using an evidence-based tool approved by the Attorney General, evaluates risk factors like recent violence, injuries, and firearm use to determine if the victim faces elevated risk of serious harm. If the assessment indicates high risk, officers must inform the victim and, with consent, immediately connect them to domestic crisis teams or other support services. The bill also mandates training for officers and judges on conducting these assessments and responding to high-risk cases.