Asm. Alex Sauickie

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection to inform property owners whenever the state reevaluates or remaps wetlands boundaries on their land. The notifications must clearly explain if a property has gained or lost its wetlands designation and provide a detailed comparison of how the size of the wetlands area has changed. Additionally, the legislation mandates that the department create an appeals process for owners who disagree with a wetlands designation, ensuring that information about how to appeal is included in all notices and on the department's website. These changes directly affect landowners in New Jersey by increasing transparency regarding environmental designations and offering a formal path to challenge those decisions.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the New Jersey Department of Education to create guidelines for the use of instructional technology in public schools, which local school boards must then adopt. The proposed rules aim to ensure that digital tools are used intentionally to support learning rather than replace direct teacher instruction or encourage passive screen time. Specifically, the guidelines must address how technology impacts student well-being and focus on age-appropriate integration that prioritizes active engagement over convenience. By defining terms like "instructional technology" and "passive screen use," the law seeks to provide a framework for balancing digital resources with traditional educational practices.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to remove sales and use taxes on the repair and maintenance of residential septic systems in New Jersey. Currently, services related to maintaining personal property are generally subject to state tax, but this legislation would create a specific exemption for septic system work. The change would directly benefit homeowners and contractors who perform these essential repairs, reducing the cost of keeping these systems functional. By amending existing tax statutes, the bill clarifies that septic services are no longer taxable, distinguishing them from other maintenance tasks like heating system repairs which remain taxed.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey's assault laws to impose stricter penalties for attacking specific protected groups, including elderly and disabled individuals. Under the proposed changes, any simple assault committed against these vulnerable victims would be automatically classified as an aggravated assault, carrying a more severe criminal charge. The legislation also expands the list of protected persons to include a wide range of workers such as school staff, utility employees, and healthcare providers when they are performing their official duties. By reclassifying attacks on these groups as aggravated offenses, the bill ensures that perpetrators face harsher legal consequences than those who assault the general public.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey's brewery licensing rules to create a new "supplemental wine production facility license" (though the text focuses on malt beverages, not wine, indicating a title discrepancy). It allows licensed breweries to sell products made by other licensed breweries under specific conditions, such as when the selling brewery holds a supplemental license. Key provisions include new fee structures for brewery licenses (e.g., $1,250 for up to 1,000 barrels annually) and restrictions on direct retail sales (capped at 50% of annual production). The bill directly affects breweries seeking expanded sales flexibility but does not address wine producers as implied in the title. It was introduced on January 13, 2026, and referred to committee.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a program to reduce student loan debt for veterinarians working in New Jersey's underserved areas. It provides up to $25,000 annually in loan repayment (capped at $150,000 total) for full-time large animal vets, $16,666 annually (capped at $100,000) for mixed-time vets, and $8,333 annually (capped at $50,000) for part-time vets who commit to three years of service in designated shortage areas. Participants must prove annual employment in these areas and meet specific practice hour requirements. The program is funded by a $200,000 state appropriation through the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill requires driver education courses to include specific training on how drivers should approach and pass slow-moving vehicles. It mandates that approved classroom instruction cover these responsibilities and ensures parents of new drivers under 18 receive a brochure with similar safety information. The law affects driving instructors by updating curriculum guidelines and impacts permit holders by providing them with educational materials on sharing the road safely.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates June 10, 2026, as "Christina Grimmie Day" in New Jersey to honor the late singer and songwriter who was a native of the state. The resolution recognizes Grimmie's musical achievements and her legacy as a New Jersey artist, particularly noting that the date marks the tenth anniversary of her passing. It requests the Governor to issue a proclamation for the day, serving as a commemorative gesture rather than a change to laws or regulations.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates a specific section of State Highway Route 35 in Laurence Harbor as the "James Francisco and Walter Schmidt Memorial Roadway" to honor two local men who served and died in the Vietnam War. The legislation requires the Commissioner of Transportation to erect signs marking the roadway, but it explicitly prohibits the use of state funds for this purpose. Instead, the bill authorizes the Department of Transportation to seek financial support from private sources, such as non-profit or charitable organizations, to cover the costs of producing, installing, and maintaining the memorial signs. The act takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes new rules for cottage food operators in New Jersey, who are individuals preparing non-perishable items like baked goods, candies, and jams for sale. It requires the Department of Health to process permit applications within 21 business days, simplify the renewal process, and provide application forms in the five most common languages spoken in the state. The legislation also sets an annual income limit of $100,000 for these operators, mandates that their recipes remain private, and directs the state to train local health officials and zoning officers on relevant laws.