Asm. Alex Sauickie

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a $1.5 million grant program for New Jersey's four-year public colleges to create or expand wine and grape science education programs (covering grape growing, winemaking, and business operations). It directs the Secretary of Higher Education to select three institutions - one in each of the state's southern, central, and northern regions - to receive up to $500,000 each, requiring applicants to detail program plans, industry partnerships, and student capacity. The program allows students under 21 to enroll in academic coursework but prohibits participation in alcohol-related activities. The Secretary must submit a final report to the Governor and Legislature six months before the program concludes.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's public colleges and universities to provide tuition-free job training courses to workers who lost their jobs due to automation. To qualify, workers must have been in the workforce for at least two years, be unemployed or have a layoff notice from an automated workplace, and not receive other state or federal financial aid. Institutions may charge a $20 registration fee per term but cannot require tuition, and courses must have available space with a minimum number of paying students. The bill expands an existing program that previously covered job losses from factory or plant closings.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a 21-member Watershed Council within New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). The council, appointed by the Governor with input from environmental groups, will represent each of the state's 21 watershed areas and analyze flooding, water quality, and environmental programs. It must assess the DEP's watershed management effectiveness - including flood protection, stormwater runoff, and ecosystem preservation - and make recommendations. Within 12 months of its first meeting, the council will submit annual reports to the DEP commissioner, Governor, and Legislature with these findings and suggestions for improving water quality and resident safety.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Rutgers, The State University to appoint a chief viticulturist to lead grape research and production in New Jersey, and a chief enologist at the Food Innovation Center to assist wineries in improving wine quality and developing new wines. The chief viticulturist will report directly to the university president, while the chief enologist will report to the Food Innovation Center director. The bill takes effect immediately, creating two new roles focused on supporting New Jersey's wine industry through specialized research and technical assistance.

Maddy summaryThis bill adds nuclear fusion energy to the list of "Class I renewable energies" under New Jersey's Electric Discount and Energy Competition Act. It directly affects electric utilities and consumers by expanding eligibility for renewable energy credits and incentives to include fusion power. The key change is a simple definition update in the law, allowing fusion to qualify for the same benefits as established renewables like solar and wind. This does not create new programs or funding but adjusts existing framework to include fusion as a qualifying energy source. The change applies to all relevant energy procurement and incentive mechanisms under the Act.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a "Farm Mental Health and Financial Services Task Force" to address mental health and financial stress among New Jersey farm workers. The task force, made up of the Agriculture and Health Secretaries plus three public members (a farmer advocate, banking representative, and mental health advocate), must create and maintain a public online list of existing mental health and financial services for farm owners, operators, supervisors, and laborers within 180 days. The list will detail available services, how to access them, and include recommendations based on other states' approaches. The list must be updated online at least every six months by the Agriculture and Health Departments.

Maddy summaryBill A4376 creates a new third-degree crime for deceiving customers about the value of gold, silver, or precious metal coins or bullion. It specifically targets sellers who falsely claim items contain precious metals, use fake grading holders resembling legitimate ones, or alter coins to inflate value. Convicted sellers must pay victims triple the damages suffered, and if the victim is a senior (62+), offenders face mandatory prison time of at least one year with no parole eligibility. The bill directly affects sellers of precious metal items and aims to protect vulnerable seniors from fraud.

Maddy summaryThis bill upgrades penalties for repeat offenses of buying sex (prostitution as a patron) in New Jersey. A first offense remains a disorderly persons offense, but a second or third offense becomes a fourth-degree crime, and a fourth or subsequent offense becomes a third-degree crime. The bill also requires that fines collected from these offenses be directed to the "Human Trafficking Survivor's Assistance Fund" to support survivors of human trafficking. It applies specifically to individuals who repeatedly engage in purchasing sexual services.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey's County Agriculture Development Boards to create a program accepting donated farmland from commercial farmers and leasing it to new farmers residing in the state. It also establishes a tax credit for donating land, capped at $100,000 or the value of the donated portion (calculated as a share of the farm's assessed value based on the donated acreage). To qualify for leased land, new farmers must meet board-established criteria, including New Jersey residency. Donors must apply for certification through the board to claim the tax credit, which is processed by the Division of Taxation.

Maddy summaryThis bill removes a requirement that landowners contribute 50% of costs for soil and water conservation projects on preserved farmland. It clarifies that county agriculture boards only review grant applications when counties provide funding, otherwise applications go directly to soil conservation districts. Recipients must maintain projects for three years or repay funds (with exceptions for death, bankruptcy, or extreme weather). The changes apply to landowners in municipal farmland preservation programs or with permanent/20-year land use restrictions.