Asm. Gerry Scharfenberger

Maddy summaryThis bill revises New Jersey's Tree Experts and Tree Care Operators Licensing Act to add clear enforcement tools. It directly affects licensed tree care professionals by establishing specific penalties for violations, including $1,000 civil administrative fines per violation (or $2,500 for repeat offenses), with each day of violation counting as a separate offense. The law gives the Board of Tree Experts or the Department of Environmental Protection authority to issue compliance orders, pursue civil actions for damages or site restoration, or levy fines after providing violators with 20 days to request a hearing. The bill repeals the previous section that handled fines, creating a unified enforcement framework. These changes aim to strengthen oversight of licensed tree care operations without altering the core licensing requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies that New Jersey real estate salespersons and broker-salespersons may form limited liability companies (LLCs) or other legal entities to receive their commissions, without changing their business relationship with their employing broker. It explicitly permits salespersons to accept commissions directly from their own LLC or entity, provided this arrangement aligns with their written agreement with the broker. The New Jersey Real Estate Commission will establish a registration process for these entities to ensure compliance. The law takes immediate effect.

Maddy summaryThis bill eliminates tiered retirement benefits in New Jersey's Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS), moving all current non-retired members to the "Tier 1" benefit level previously available to members who joined before July 1, 2007. It requires public employers to enroll eligible employees (earning above minimum salary but not meeting hour requirements) into PERS within 60 days, and automatically transfers service credit from the Defined Contribution Retirement Program (DCRP) to PERS for DCRP participants - without transferring their contributions - unless they opt out within six months. Disability recipients under long-term insurance become eligible for disability retirement benefits if they apply within two years. Changes apply only to retirement applications processed after the bill's effective date.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (S 1067) requires the state's Department of Human Services to conduct a landscape analysis of mental health services accessible to deaf and hard of hearing residents. It mandates that mental health services be provided in a client's primary communication method (like sign language or speech), delivered by professionals certified in that method and trained in culturally appropriate care for the deaf community. The bill also requires the creation of a resource guide listing providers meeting these standards and defines key terms like "culturally affirmative mental health services." It directly affects deaf and hard of hearing individuals seeking mental health care across New Jersey.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A1941) requires the New Jersey Commission on Human Trafficking to expand public awareness signage about human trafficking to 12 new types of establishments, including gas stations, staffing agencies, law enforcement offices, nail salons, and Motor Vehicle Commission offices. The signage must display the national 24-hour human trafficking hotline number and meet specific size (8.5" x 11") and language (English/Spanish) requirements. Businesses failing to comply face civil penalties of $300 for a first offense and $1,000 for subsequent violations. The bill directly affects all covered establishments by mandating visible signage to educate the public on trafficking resources.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey's human trafficking law to include individuals who financially benefit from trafficking operations, regardless of whether they are organizers, supervisors, or managers. It expands the statute so that receiving any financial gain - such as from exploiting victims in sex or labor trafficking - now constitutes the crime. The law applies to all financial beneficiaries, closing a gap that previously allowed some profiteers to avoid prosecution. This change updates the statute to hold all participants who profit from trafficking accountable under criminal law.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a proportional property tax exemption for New Jersey veterans who are honorably discharged and have a service-connected permanent disability rated at 10% or higher. It directly affects qualifying veterans (and their surviving spouses) by reducing their property taxes in line with their disability rating, with a $10,000 cap for exemptions below 100% disability. Veterans deemed unemployable due to service-connected disability receive a full 100% exemption, matching current benefits for those with 100% disability ratings. The bill also requires the state to reimburse municipalities 102% of the tax costs for these exemptions, including administrative expenses, through annual reporting by local tax authorities.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends the deadline for commercial construction contractors and suppliers to file lien claims from 90 days to 240 days after the last work, services, materials, or equipment were provided. It directly affects businesses in the commercial construction sector who have not received payment for their work. The key change modifies Section 6 of New Jersey's Construction Lien Law (P.L.1993, c.318), specifying that the 240-day period begins on the date the claimant last provided work or materials. This adjustment provides more time for these claimants to legally secure payment through the lien process.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health insurance carriers in New Jersey to cover prostate cancer screening without cost sharing (no deductibles, copays, or coinsurance). It expands the definition of "prostate cancer screening" to include more diagnostic methods beyond digital rectal exams and PSA tests, such as urinary analysis, serum biomarkers, and medical imaging. The coverage applies to men age 50+ who are asymptomatic, and men age 40+ with family history of prostate cancer or other risk factors. The bill extends these requirements to additional insurance types, including individual health insurance policies, that weren't previously required to cover prostate cancer screening under current law.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits New Jersey state agencies, local governments, and educational institutions from entering into contracts or providing benefits to entities engaged in specified activities related to Nigeria. It requires the Department of the Treasury to create and maintain a list of entities meeting four criteria: having Nigerian government equity, conducting business with Nigeria, being headquartered in Nigeria, or supporting groups that persecute Christians. Entities must certify they're not on the list before receiving government contracts or benefits, with false certifications resulting in $1 million penalties or three-year ineligibility. The bill also prohibits state pension funds from investing in such entities and bans state agencies from banking with or holding investments in financial institutions tied to Nigeria.