Asm. Alex Sauickie

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to conduct a statewide inventory of all lead-covered telecommunications cables within one year, including both active and abandoned cables located on land, above ground, or underwater. After the inventory, the BPU must develop a removal plan prioritizing cables near schools, playgrounds, hospitals, and water areas, while considering safety, environmental impact, cable age, and customer needs. The BPU will then remove the cables according to this plan and report annually on progress, costs, and challenges to the Governor and Legislature. The bill also mandates that the BPU request dedicated funding for this effort in its annual budget.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a Food Recovery Infrastructure Grant Program within New Jersey's Department of Agriculture. It provides grants of up to $50,000 to food recovery organizations (such as food banks, pantries, soup kitchens, and shelters) to cover costs for eligible equipment - like commercial refrigerators, freezers, trucks, and storage units - and up to 10% of grant funds for staff salaries and administrative expenses. The Department of Agriculture will administer the program, develop application criteria with the Food Security Advocate, and prioritize using federal or non-state funds before state money. The program aims to improve the safe storage and distribution of recovered food to address food insecurity.

Maddy summaryThis non-binding New Jersey Assembly Resolution (AR 96) formally condemns Hamas for its October 7, 2023, attacks on Israel and affirms support for Israel's right to exist. It specifically references Hamas's rocket attacks, killings of civilians (including infants and elderly), and hostage-taking, citing over 1,400 Israeli deaths. The resolution directs the state to send copies to Israel's Prime Minister, U.S. ambassadors to Israel and Israel, and New Jersey's congressional representatives. It serves as a symbolic statement of support from New Jersey's government, with no direct impact on citizens or policy changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes New Jersey to create a temporary commemorative license plate celebrating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. The New Jersey Historical Commission will hold a design contest to select the plate's artwork, with the winning design being issued by the Motor Vehicle Commission. New Jersey residents who apply and pay a $50 initial fee plus a $10 annual renewal fee will receive one commemorative plate for their vehicle, which must be displayed on the front and will expire after two years (ending January 1, 2028). The additional fees collected will fund the "Declaration of Independence 250th Anniversary License Plate Fund," which will support preservation of Revolutionary War sites across New Jersey. The program requires at least 500 applications before implementation and will be available starting January 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to designate at least one area in every state park and forest for bat house construction and maintenance. The DEP must consult with bat experts and organizations to select locations that avoid public safety risks and minimize disruption to park use. Signs will be posted to inform visitors about designated bat house areas and ensure public safety. The law takes effect immediately, supporting bat conservation efforts across state lands.

Maddy summaryThis bill allocates $250,000 from the General Fund to fund the Agricultural Experiment Station's project on propagating native deer-resistant plants. It supports collecting plant cuttings and seeds, and developing practical growing methods for species that minimize deer damage to farms, nurseries, and natural ecosystems. The funding supplements the 2024 state budget and takes effect immediately. The project aims to provide nonlethal, environmentally-friendly solutions to address challenges from New Jersey's large deer population.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Commissioner of Community Affairs to add a mandatory module on warehouse development and high-density development to the existing basic land use law and planning course for local planning and zoning board members. The course, already required for current and prospective board members, will now include specific content about large-scale warehouses (like distribution centers) and high-density projects. This aims to better prepare local officials to address regional impacts from such developments, as noted in the bill's statement referencing a 2022 state planning document. The requirement applies to all relevant board members starting when the updated course launches.

Maddy summaryThis ceremonial resolution (ACR 80) commemorates the 126th anniversary of the Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America (JWV), founded in 1896 by 63 Jewish Civil War veterans. It honors the JWV’s historical role as the nation’s oldest continuously active veterans organization, including its advocacy for Jewish service members’ rights (like Yom Kippur leave in 1913) and support during major conflicts. The resolution formally recognizes the JWV’s legacy and directs that copies be sent to its national commander. It does not create new laws or affect any policies - it is purely symbolic, acknowledging the organization’s 126 years of service and its 20 posts across New Jersey.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A1228) requires New Jersey's Department of Agriculture to prominently post specific resources on its website homepage to assist distressed farmers. It mandates two key items: a bold, capital-letter link labeled "Suicide Prevention Hotline" with the New Jersey hotline number, and a distinct icon linking to a page listing mental health support, disaster aid, legal help, financial assistance, and other resources. The bill directly affects New Jersey farmers facing distress, particularly addressing the state's higher farmer suicide rates (3.5x the general population, per CDC data). The Department must update these posts as needed, and the requirement takes effect immediately.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes New Jersey's Economic Development Authority (EDA) to provide grants from the "Global Warming Solutions Fund" to help farmers replace inefficient or polluting agricultural equipment with more efficient, less polluting alternatives. It specifically adds agricultural entities to the list of eligible recipients for these grants, which were previously available only to commercial, industrial, and institutional sectors. To qualify, farmers must demonstrate that their old equipment has been dismantled or permanently decommissioned. The grants are funded through 60% of annual appropriations from the Global Warming Solutions Fund, which collects revenue from regional carbon emissions trading (RGGI).