Asm. Gerry Scharfenberger

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to identify reservoirs with documented history of causing or worsening downstream flooding. For these reservoirs, the DEP must study downstream flood risks and water supply needs, then set maximum water levels to balance flood prevention with community water access. Reservoir owners must create and follow an approved flood action plan (including flood gates) within 90 days of DEP rules. The Office of Emergency Management can also order immediate water level reductions during severe weather to prevent flooding, with the state indemnifying owners who comply with these orders and approved plans.

Maddy summaryThis bill limits the tax on cigars in New Jersey to a maximum of $0.50 per cigar, replacing the current 30% tax on wholesale price. It directly affects cigar retailers and consumers by capping the tax rate, which previously could exceed $0.50 for higher-priced cigars. The key mechanism is amending the tobacco tax law to set this flat maximum, clarifying that cigar tax cannot exceed 50 cents regardless of wholesale cost. This change aims to level the playing field for New Jersey brick-and-mortar cigar shops competing with out-of-state online sellers that don’t collect state tax.

Maddy summaryThis bill, titled "Murphy's Law," creates a specific rule for New Jersey's emergency powers. It states that if the Governor violates their own emergency order, rule, or regulation (adopted under the state's Emergency Management Act), that specific order, rule, or regulation becomes void and unenforceable. It also establishes an affirmative defense for people prosecuted for violating such an emergency order: if the Governor committed the same violation, the defendant cannot be convicted for that specific breach. The law applies to violations classified as disorderly persons offenses (punishable by up to 6 months in jail or a $1,000 fine) and takes effect immediately for all pending and future prosecutions.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey Assembly Bill A708 requires the state Department of Education (DOE) to create model policies for public school boards to notify parents before students encounter explicit content in curriculum. It mandates school boards to provide specific parental notification about such content, identify the exact materials involved, and offer alternative non-explicit materials if parents request them. The bill defines "sexually explicit content" as depictions of sexual conduct, nudity, or similar material but explicitly states it does not require book censorship in public schools. These policies must be implemented starting the first full school year after the bill's enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey municipalities to receive state property tax relief aid equal to any annual increase in costs for employee health care and prescription benefits. It directly affects all New Jersey municipalities that face higher health care expenses due to rate increases, covering costs from self-insurance, commercial insurance, or state programs. Municipalities must submit certified documentation of the increase to the state, which will then adjust their annual aid under the Energy Tax Receipts Property Tax Relief Act by the exact same amount. The bill ensures these increased health care costs do not lead to higher property taxes for residents.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all New Jersey state agencies to annually develop and submit an IT strategic plan to the Chief Technology Officer. The plan must detail the agency's IT mission, goals, current technology infrastructure, cost analysis for new projects, and how it aligns with statewide IT initiatives. Agencies must submit their first plan within one year of the bill's enactment and annually thereafter, with all plans made publicly available on agency websites. The bill directly affects every state department, board, bureau, and independent authority by mandating structured planning for their information technology systems. It establishes a standardized process for managing and reporting on state IT resources without creating new services or funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill exempts from motor vehicle registration fees certain vehicles owned by nonprofit organizations that provide essential community services in New Jersey. Specifically, it covers local Meals on Wheels programs for seniors (as Meals on Wheels America members) and nonprofits focused on social services like addiction treatment, mental health care, and support for individuals with developmental disabilities. The exemption applies only to vehicles not used for pleasure or commercial hire, and these vehicles must still be registered with special certificates or plates instead of standard fees. This change directly affects qualifying nonprofits by reducing their operational costs for necessary transportation services.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Office of the Statewide Opioid Antidote Coordinator within New Jersey's Department of Human Services. The Coordinator will centrally manage the bulk purchasing and distribution of opioid antidotes (like naloxone) for state/local government agencies, emergency medical services, law enforcement, schools, public access locations, and sterile syringe programs upon request. The Coordinator must also coordinate with health and law enforcement agencies, provide public education on antidote use, and submit annual reports detailing distribution quantities, cost savings, and outreach efforts. The position requires experience in health, law enforcement, or policy, and will be funded through state appropriations and federal grants.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A648) requires all New Jersey public school districts to include water safety instruction in health education for students in grades K-12, beginning with the 2018-2019 school year. The instruction must cover four key topics: proper use of flotation devices, recognizing water conditions, responding to rip currents, and swimming near lifeguard-monitored areas. It directly affects every public school district and K-12 student in New Jersey by mandating this curriculum as part of existing health education standards. The law takes immediate effect upon enactment.