Asm. Wayne DeAngelo

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies which rank and grade changes within New Jersey's Division of State Police require Attorney General approval. It allows the State Police superintendent to change ranks for troopers, detectives, supervisors, and managers without Attorney General approval, but requires AG approval for changes to command staff (majors and lieutenant colonels). All personnel changes must still fit within the division's existing budget limits, as required by current law. The bill does not create new positions or alter staffing levels, only specifies the approval process for rank adjustments.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows honorably discharged veterans in New Jersey to obtain special license plates displaying the word "Veteran" in addition to standard registration markings. To qualify, applicants must provide a DD-214 or discharge certificate and pay a $15 fee on top of regular vehicle registration costs. Surviving spouses of deceased veterans may continue using these plates on their vehicles. The Motor Vehicle Commission will design the plates, handle applications, and notify drivers about the option during registration renewals.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A2415) requires New Jersey's Silver Alert System to use the same broadcast alert procedures as the Amber Alert System. It directly affects media outlets participating in the Silver Alert program, which helps locate missing elderly individuals with dementia or cognitive impairments. The key provision mandates that participating media must broadcast a distinctive sound tone followed by "This is a Missing Person Silver Alert" during alerts, with the alert repeated as often as possible for the first three hours. After three hours, broadcasts continue at intervals determined by law enforcement and media, while including a description of the missing person and contact information for the public.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey state agencies (including the Department of Community Affairs, Department of Human Services, and the Board of Public Utilities) to review and potentially increase income thresholds for residential customers to qualify for utility bill assistance and energy efficiency programs. It directly affects low- and moderate-income households by expanding eligibility if agencies determine an increase is appropriate. Key mechanisms include mandating public input during reviews, aligning income thresholds across programs, and ensuring households aren't eligible for both low- and moderate-income energy efficiency programs. The review must be completed within one year of the bill's effective date, with agencies considering factors like State median income and program costs. The bill does not change current program rules but sets a process for future eligibility adjustments.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires pool and spa service businesses in New Jersey to obtain a permit from the Pool and Spa Service Contractors Advisory Committee before operating. To qualify, a business must employ at least one licensed pool and spa builder/installer or service contractor, pay application fees, and meet additional board requirements. Permitted businesses can then serve as general contractors for all pool and spa construction, installation, and service work, though specialized tasks (like electrical or plumbing) must still be performed by licensed professionals. Subcontractors working under these permitted businesses are not required to obtain separate licenses but must operate under their supervision.

Maddy summaryS 3607 extends accidental death benefits to survivors of State Police Retirement System (SPRS) retirees who died from health conditions linked to World Trade Center rescue, recovery, or cleanup operations, regardless of when the retiree died. It expands eligibility beyond retirees who previously received only accidental disability retirement to include those with ordinary disability, special, or service retirement benefits. The bill removes the requirement for a written sworn statement in applications and allows survivors to submit claims within two years of the retiree's death or two years after the bill's effective date, whichever is later. It also mandates that the State notify eligible survivors by certified mail within 60 days of the bill's effective date.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all New Jersey public school staff (including those in after-school programs) to complete epilepsy and seizure disorder care training every five years. It directly affects school boards, administrators, and all school personnel who interact with students. The key provision mandates that training must be provided through a Department of Health-approved course from a nonprofit epilepsy support organization. This ensures staff can recognize seizures, provide appropriate care, and know when to seek help, as outlined in individualized health plans developed with parent input and physician guidance. The law applies to all schools in the state and takes effect at the start of the first full school year after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A4748) extends accidental death benefits to survivors of State Police Retirement System (SPRS) retirees who died from health conditions linked to World Trade Center rescue, recovery, or cleanup operations. It removes the current requirement that retirees must have died before July 8, 2019, and expands eligibility to include survivors of retirees who received ordinary disability, special, or service retirement benefits - not just accidental disability retirement. Survivors no longer need to submit a written sworn statement when applying, and they may submit applications within two years of the retiree's death or the bill's effective date, whichever is later. The bill also requires the board of trustees to notify survivors of these changes via certified mail within 60 days of enactment.

Maddy summaryThe bill (A4182) establishes labor protections for cannabis workers in New Jersey who are not covered by federal labor laws. It requires cannabis employers to provide employee contact information to worker organizations seeking representation and allows those organizations to meet with workers on premises. The bill prohibits both employers and worker organizations from engaging in unfair labor practices, including interference with organizing efforts or refusal to negotiate. Employers who violate the law face penalties up to $5,000 per day and must compensate affected workers. This extends rights similar to those provided to most private sector workers under federal law to cannabis workers who were previously excluded.

Maddy summaryS 4864 allows municipalities, counties, school districts, and fire districts to use project labor agreements for public works projects costing less than $5 million, which is currently the minimum threshold for such agreements under New Jersey law. This bill removes the $5 million cost barrier specifically for these local units, enabling them to voluntarily negotiate project labor agreements on smaller projects without requiring the project to meet the existing threshold. The change does not affect the $5 million requirement for state-level projects or other public entities. Local governments will now have the option to use project labor agreements on projects under $5 million to promote labor stability, cost efficiency, and project completion goals.