Asm. Tennille McCoy

Maddy summaryThis bill updates notification requirements for New Jersey's "Energy Bill Watch" program, which affects residential customers using smart meters for electricity or gas. It clarifies that utilities must notify these customers on the 10th and 20th days of each billing cycle via text or email (with email as backup if phone numbers are unavailable), showing both usage cost in dollars and consumption in kilowatt hours or therms. Notifications must now reflect data up to two days before sending, and customers gain options to set spending thresholds or compare current usage to prior cycles. The bill ensures utilities automatically enroll smart meter customers while providing clear opt-out instructions and advertising the program through multiple channels like websites and bills.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires pharmacies in New Jersey to display a notice and provide a pamphlet about insulin manufacturer assistance programs at all points of sale. The materials must be created by the Department of Banking and Insurance and will be available to anyone purchasing insulin or requesting them. Insulin manufacturers offering assistance programs may request to be included in these materials. The bill directly affects pharmacies (by mandating the notices/pamphlets) and insulin users (by providing access to cost-saving program information). It does not create new programs but ensures existing manufacturer assistance options are clearly communicated to patients.

Maddy summaryACR 170 is a procedural resolution approving the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank’s proposed Fiscal Year 2026 financial plan. This plan outlines how the bank will fund environmental infrastructure projects, including clean water systems, stormwater management, and drinking water supply improvements. The resolution formally authorizes the bank to implement this funding strategy for projects identified by the Department of Environmental Protection, as required by state law. It does not create new funding or change project eligibility - it simply approves the bank’s existing plan for the upcoming fiscal year.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires employers and contractors working on projects for New Jersey public bodies (such as state agencies, local governments, schools, or publicly funded projects) to register with the Department of Labor and Workforce Development (DOLWD) and submit certified payroll records. It expands current requirements by applying to all work for public bodies - not just projects subject to prevailing wage laws - covering construction, maintenance, repairs, and other work paid for with public funds or financial assistance. Employers must provide these records within 10 days of a request; failure to comply allows DOLWD to direct public bodies to withhold up to 25% of payment (capped at $100,000) until records are submitted. The bill directly affects contractors and employers performing work for public entities, ensuring transparency in wage reporting.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires secondhand dealers (like pawn shops or phone buyback stores) to verify the identity and ownership of sellers when purchasing used cell phones or wireless devices. Dealers must document device identifiers (such as serial numbers), collect two forms of ID (including photo ID), and confirm sellers are legally authorized owners. They must maintain records for one year, make them available to law enforcement, and cannot alter device markings. Violations carry civil penalties up to $1,000 per offense. The law directly affects secondhand dealers and sellers of used wireless devices in New Jersey.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a 18-member Chronic Absenteeism Task Force to study chronic absenteeism in New Jersey public schools. The task force, composed of the Commissioner of Education, appointed public members representing education stakeholders, and legislative leaders, will analyze causes like mental health, school climate, pandemic impacts, and discipline policies. It must research state and national solutions and develop recommendations for school districts to improve attendance within six months. The task force will report to the Governor and Legislature before expiring 30 days after submitting its final findings. This procedural bill creates a study group but does not directly change attendance laws or policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies New Jersey's requirements for condo and cooperative associations' capital reserve funds. It defines "adequate" funding as reserves sufficient to avoid falling below zero in a 30-year plan, and requires associations (not building owners) to conduct reserve studies every five years. Associations may fund reserves at 85% of recommended levels for up to five years, but must disclose the projected special assessment amount to unit owners and new buyers. The bill removes previous restrictions on special assessments and mandates clear notice about reduced funding. It applies to all associations of planned real estate developments with common interest communities.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A3871) requires New Jersey public school districts to include instruction on the history and contributions of Latino and Hispanic Americans in social studies and English language arts lessons for all students in kindergarten through 12th grade. It mandates the State Board of Education to adopt specific learning standards on this topic and directs school boards to integrate these standards into their existing curriculum. The Commissioner of Education must also provide sample lesson plans and resources to support implementation, working with the Commission on Latino and Hispanic Heritage. This affects all New Jersey public schools and their K-12 students by making this content a required part of standard curriculum, not optional.

Maddy summaryAJR 216 is a joint resolution directing New Jersey's Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to investigate whether PJM Interconnection's Reliability Pricing Model (capacity market) effectively provides reliable electricity at the lowest cost. The bill requires the BPU to report its findings within 12 months and directs the state to collaborate with neighboring PJM states to promote affordable energy practices, prioritize carbon-free sources, and urge PJM to implement market reforms. It specifically addresses rising capacity costs in PJM's auctions - contributing to higher electricity bills - and delays in approving new generation projects that prevent lower-cost resources from entering the market. The resolution aims to protect ratepayers, particularly low-income households, from price increases while supporting grid reliability.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases tax credits for investors who fund New Jersey emerging technology businesses by raising the credit rate from 20% to 60% of qualified investments (with an additional 5% available for investments in opportunity zones, low-income communities, or diverse entrepreneurs, making it 65% total). It lowers the employee threshold for qualifying businesses from 225 to 150 employees, expanding eligibility to more small technology companies. The bill also revises definitions of qualifying businesses and investments under the "New Jersey Angel Investor Tax Credit Act" while repealing the "New Jersey Ignite Act." These changes directly affect investors, emerging technology businesses, and qualified venture funds seeking tax benefits.