Rep. Wayne DeAngelo

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill prohibits contracts between public libraries and publishers from including clauses that restrict how libraries manage or lend electronic books and audiobooks. The legislation specifically bans provisions that limit a library's ability to make preservation copies, use interlibrary loan systems, set loan periods, or charge fees based on how many times a book is borrowed. Additionally, the bill prevents contracts from stopping libraries from sharing contract terms with other libraries or the state government, and it treats violations as unfair business practices under state consumer fraud laws.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes rules for how employers and public service providers in New Jersey can use artificial intelligence and electronic monitoring tools to make decisions about hiring, firing, and providing services. It specifically defines these technologies, such as systems that analyze data to predict job performance or determine eligibility for public benefits, and sets requirements for their use. The legislation mandates that these systems must be regularly audited by independent experts to ensure they do not discriminate and that workers have access to information about how these tools affect their employment or services. Additionally, the bill clarifies what constitutes biometric data and outlines protections for employees regarding surveillance and data collection practices.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands New Jersey's existing Senior Citizens and Disabled Residents Transportation Assistance Program to provide transportation services specifically for disabled veterans needing to attend medical appointments for service-connected conditions. It directs the Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs to work with counties to identify veterans' transportation needs and provides funding by redirecting 4% of casino revenue fund allocations (previously used for senior/disabled transport) to cover these new services. The program helps counties pay for expanded transit options, including door-to-door service or subsidized rides, for veterans certified with service-connected disabilities by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. This directly affects disabled veterans in New Jersey who require transportation to VA-approved medical appointments but are not covered by existing travel reimbursement programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies New Jersey law to require school districts to refinance their outstanding debt whenever a two percent net present value savings is achievable, lowering the previous requirement of three percent. As a condition for receiving state aid, districts must now evaluate refinancing options that meet this reduced savings threshold to ensure they are securing the most cost-effective debt terms. The change directly impacts school districts by mandating more frequent or easier refinancing when modest financial benefits can be realized. This adjustment aims to improve fiscal efficiency by encouraging districts to act on smaller potential savings in their debt management strategies.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies permit review requirements under New Jersey's Coastal Area Facility Review Act to address nuclear energy facilities. It requires the Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner to evaluate whether a nuclear facility's radioactive waste storage and disposal methods are safe, comply with Nuclear Regulatory Commission standards, and do not endanger life or the environment. Currently, the commissioner only assesses waste disposal, but this change expands the review to include storage methods as well. The bill applies specifically to nuclear energy generation facilities operating in the state. No fiscal impact is expected from this legislative change.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies how New Jersey's Board of Public Utilities procures and incentivizes large-scale energy storage systems, primarily affecting developers and utilities seeking to build transmission-scale storage facilities. It establishes a two-phase program requiring projects to meet specific readiness milestones, such as completing interconnection studies with PJM or securing capacity rights, while setting a goal of awarding incentives for at least 1,000 MW of storage capacity by December 2026. The legislation also outlines application requirements, including proof of site control, permit acquisition plans, financial capability, and safety assurances, with a requirement that at least 350 MW be approved in the first phase by December 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies permit review requirements under New Jersey's Coastal Area Facility Review Act to allow the Department of Environmental Protection commissioner to approve nuclear facility permits even without a permanent federal high-level radioactive waste repository. The legislation removes a statutory barrier that currently prevents permit approval for new nuclear facilities pending federal waste storage solutions, arguing that on-site dry cask storage is proven to be secure and effective. Key provisions require the commissioner to ensure that proposed nuclear facilities use safe radioactive waste storage methods that conform to Nuclear Regulatory Commission standards and effectively protect public health and the environment. The bill aims to facilitate the construction and operation of advanced nuclear reactors to provide reliable, zero-emission baseload energy for New Jersey's growing electricity demand.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection to authorize a "reformation assessment" for certain water and wastewater treatment and conveyance systems that face serious risks due to aging infrastructure or damage beyond the system's capacity to repair. The assessment would be an independent evaluation to analyze the system's current condition and identify options for transferring ownership, governance, or management to a capable private or public entity with the resources to improve operations and maintenance. The bill defines a "capable entity" as one that owns a system serving a similar number of accounts and is not currently subject to significant enforcement actions for violations. This change aims to give public entities the option to reform, transfer, lease, or sell assets when emergent conditions threaten drinking water or the environment.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey state agencies to set aside at least 30% of their advertising budget for eligible local news organizations. The law defines eligible news organizations as those that produce original local content, maintain editorial independence, and meet specific operational and financial criteria. State agencies purchasing advertising must reserve this portion of their budget specifically for these qualifying local news outlets. The legislation aims to support local journalism by ensuring a steady stream of advertising revenue while maintaining the editorial freedom of news organizations.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a program through New Jersey's Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to procure new natural gas power plants capable of generating at least 1,100 megawatts. It requires developers to submit detailed proposals - including permitting plans, cost analyses, financing structures, and proposed rates - to the BPU within 90 days of a request for interest. The program introduces "natural gas energy certificates" (NGECs) to represent energy supply and reliability, with cost-sharing mechanisms for construction overruns under 20% of estimates. It directly affects natural gas plant developers seeking approval, ratepayers who may see cost impacts on bills, and the state's electricity infrastructure planning.