Asm. Alex Sauickie

Maddy summaryThis bill would cancel New Jersey's 2020 health and physical education standards and prohibit the State Board of Education from creating new state-level standards in these subjects. It requires each local school district to form a Parental Advisory Committee (made of parents/guardians) to help develop new curriculum standards, with public meetings and online posting of recommendations. Within 180 days of enactment, districts must adopt new standards that include mandatory suicide prevention education and organ donation information for students. The bill shifts authority for setting health education standards from the state to local school boards.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A-3022) requires all public meetings of New Jersey's State Board of Education to be accessible both in person and virtually. It mandates that the Board post a virtual meeting link on its website and allows the public to submit comments remotely during designated comment periods. The law applies directly to the State Board of Education and the public seeking to participate in meetings. It takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits New Jersey public utilities from charging customers a fee to opt out of installing smart meters in their homes. It directly affects residential customers who prefer traditional analog meters over smart meter technology. The bill defines "smart meter" broadly to include various types of digital meters but explicitly bans any fee for choosing not to install one. This would eliminate the current practice where customers pay monthly fees to retain older meters, making the opt-out choice fee-free. The bill takes immediate effect upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill eliminates the registration fee for wheelchair trailers in New Jersey. It directly affects individuals who own and use wheelchair trailers, defined as non-commercial trailers designed solely to carry a wheelchair and drawn by a motor vehicle. The bill amends the state's vehicle registration fee statute (R.S.39:3-8) to explicitly exempt wheelchair trailers from all registration fees. As a result, owners of qualifying wheelchair trailers will no longer pay a registration fee when registering these vehicles.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey school districts to obtain written permission from a parent or legal guardian before administering certain student health surveys. It directly affects school districts, parents/guardians, and students, covering surveys about substance use (alcohol, tobacco, drugs, vaping), sexual behavior, violence-related behaviors, and nutrition/physical activity. Schools must provide a detailed permission form at least two weeks in advance, explaining the survey's purpose, data access, and how to approve or deny participation (with failure to respond counting as approval). Survey results must be shared with state education and health departments for public health initiatives but cannot be used for commercial purposes. Violations may result in monetary penalties.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a 26-member School Funding Commission to study New Jersey's current school funding system and develop recommendations for a new formula. The commission includes the Education Commissioner and members appointed by state leaders, with input from education organizations and finance experts. It must examine the existing 2008 funding formula, impacts on at-risk students, neighboring states' approaches, local tax capacity, and other key factors within one year. The resulting report will directly guide the state in creating a new school funding formula affecting all public schools in New Jersey.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes New Jersey to issue $150 million in state bonds to help municipalities purchase development rights (easements) on land proposed for warehouse construction. It directly affects municipalities and landowners by providing state funding to prevent warehouse development on agricultural or open-space properties, preserving farmland and community character. Key provisions require municipalities to match state funds at 50% and secure permanent easements that restrict development while allowing farming and single-family homes. The program aims to address fiscal and environmental concerns tied to warehouse projects, such as traffic impacts and loss of farmland, without mandating specific land use changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires county recording offices to notify property owners if a quitclaim deed is submitted for recording on their property, giving owners a 10-12 business day window to review the transaction before it's recorded. Property owners can proactively request this notification by providing contact details (mail or email) to the county office. The bill mandates that recording officers delay finalizing the deed for at least 10 business days after sending the notification, aiming to prevent fraudulent transfers. It directly affects property owners and county recording officers, adding a verification step specifically for quitclaim deeds.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows prosecutors to request extended prison sentences for repeat offenders convicted of receiving stolen property. It applies to individuals with two or more prior separate convictions for this crime (or substantially equivalent offenses), provided the current offense occurred within 10 years of either their last prison release or their most recent prior conviction. The court must hold a hearing where the defendant can challenge the evidence before imposing the extended term. This changes sentencing options for repeat property crime offenders by expanding eligibility for longer prison terms under specific prior conviction conditions.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 1147) establishes a $1 million pilot program in New Jersey's Office of Planning Advocacy to reimburse municipalities for specific costs related to warehouse development planning. It directly affects local governments that update zoning ordinances or conduct studies to address warehouse impacts like traffic, infrastructure, or environmental concerns. Municipalities must adopt warehouse-specific zoning consistent with state guidance to qualify for reimbursement, with priority given to those needing financial assistance. The program requires the Office to develop model zoning ordinances directing warehouse development to suitable locations and report on program effectiveness after funds are used. The pilot expires upon submission of this report.