Asm. Alex Sauickie

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill requires courts to notify victims when a sex offender applies to be removed from the state's registration list, providing victims the opportunity to attend hearings and express their views. It mandates that courts inform victims if the application is granted, terminating the offender's registration requirement. The bill also requires courts to issue restraining orders prohibiting contact between sex offenders and victims when victims consent, and these orders must remain in effect until modified or terminated with the victim's consent. These provisions apply to all cases involving sex offenses where registration is required under New Jersey law. The bill directly affects victims of sex offenses, sex offenders required to register, and the courts handling these cases.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a program to promote New Jersey-made craft alcoholic beverages and the retailers that sell them. It creates a "Certified Jersey Craft Alcohol Beverage Retailer" designation for stores selling at least 10% of their alcohol revenue from NJ craft producers (like breweries, cideries, or distilleries), and provides grants of up to $2,500 annually to these retailers for marketing, equipment, or facility improvements. The program is funded by 50% of tax revenue from craft beverage sales, plus potential state funds, administered by the Economic Development Authority. It directly affects NJ craft beverage producers and qualifying retail license holders who meet the sales threshold.

Maddy summaryThis bill prevents New Jersey's standard 6% growth limit on state school aid from applying to certain school districts for the 2025-2026 school year. It specifically affects districts that saw a net decrease in total state aid between the 2017-2018 and 2024-2025 school years. The bill requires the state education commissioner to calculate each qualifying district's uncapped aid (covering equalization, special education, security, and transportation aid) without reducing it to meet the 6% growth cap. This means eligible districts will receive their full calculated aid amount for 2025-2026, rather than having it reduced to comply with the standard growth limit.

Maddy summaryThis bill reinstates automatic cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) for retirement benefits of New Jersey State Police retirees who have been receiving benefits for at least 10 years. COLAs will be calculated based on the Consumer Price Index, with benefits up to $75,000 receiving full inflation-based adjustments, while benefits over $75,000 will be limited to a 1% annual increase. The bill requires the Legislature to appropriate funds from the General Fund to cover these adjustments, and if the retirement board fails to implement COLAs within six months, the State Treasurer will take over implementation. The bill does not apply to new hires after the effective date or to other retirement systems.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to obtain legislative approval before starting any plan, program, or project costing over $1 million that hasn't been included in the BPU's approved annual budget. The BPU must submit a detailed written explanation outlining the project, its cost, goals, and justification for extra funding. The legislature then must approve or disapprove through a resolution, with inaction by year's end automatically denying the project. Emergency projects related to federally declared disasters are exempt and only require a 30-day report to the legislature.

Maddy summaryThis non-binding Assembly Resolution (AR 190) expresses the New Jersey General Assembly’s lack of confidence in the Board of Public Utilities (BPU). It cites the BPU’s role in certifying a February 2025 electricity auction that will raise average residential bills by 17-20% starting June 2025, with New Jersey’s electricity costs now 27% above the national average. The resolution states the Assembly believes the BPU has prioritized renewable energy goals over affordability, dismissed internal dissent, and used ratepayer funds for temporary subsidies instead of long-term solutions. The resolution formally notifies the BPU and Governor but does not change BPU authority or electricity rates.

Maddy summaryS 3353 requires New Jersey's State Agriculture Development Committee to establish rules for housing resident farm employees on commercial farms, mandating compliance with state construction and safety standards and restricting use exclusively to such employees. The bill defines a "resident farm employee" as a full-time agricultural worker on the farm (excluding full-time equine-related staff), ensuring housing meets specific criteria. Once adopted, this housing will be eligible for "Right to Farm" protection under state law, preventing municipalities from denying building permits or occupancy certificates for compliant housing. The policy change extends existing agricultural protections to farm worker housing, aligning it with the "Right to Farm Act" framework.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes an Office of Energy Generation Ombudsman within New Jersey's Department of Treasury to assist energy producers (like solar, wind, or power plant developers) navigating state permitting processes. It requires all state agencies to prioritize reviewing and approving permits for projects that increase electricity production, including environmental and construction permits. The ombudsman will provide free guidance on regulations, resolve disputes between developers and agencies, and monitor permitting delays. The office must also submit annual reports to the governor and legislature with recommendations to streamline energy project approvals and expand electricity generation statewide.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Energy Facilities Siting Commission within New Jersey's Department of the Treasury. The Commission will develop siting criteria for new energy facilities, propose site locations, and review applications for site certification. Energy facilities built at Commission-designated sites will be exempt from state and local land-use regulations, including zoning ordinances. The Commission will consist of five members with specific regional representation and expertise in energy, engineering, and land use planning. The bill aims to promote energy production by streamlining the siting process for energy facilities across the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the State of New Jersey to cover the reasonable costs of interconnecting new residential, net-metered Class I renewable energy systems to the electrical grid. It mandates the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to establish a grant program to provide funds to either customers or electric public utilities to cover these interconnection costs. The BPU would be authorized to use funds collected through the societal benefits charge (established under previous legislation) to finance this program. The requirement would take effect six months after the bill's enactment.