Maddy summaryNew Jersey bill A-1037 allows utility lines for approved solar energy facilities to cross municipally-owned preserved open space (like parks or conservation areas funded by Green Acres programs) under strict conditions. It requires lines to be underground, not interfere with land use, and be approved by the local government after developers prove no alternative routes exist. Solar developers must also compensate landowners and provide documentation showing compliance with the bill’s requirements. This directly affects solar project developers, local municipalities managing preserved land, and the Board of Public Utilities overseeing solar approvals. The bill aims to support solar infrastructure development while protecting designated conservation areas.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill requires owners or operators of public community water systems in New Jersey to regularly test drinking water for Legionella bacteria. Specifically, they must test a random sample of at least 0.1% of service lines every three months and a random sample of at least 1% of water system facilities (like storage tanks and treatment plants) each month. If Legionella levels exceed the standard set by the Department of Environmental Protection, the system must immediately notify affected customers and complete remediation within six months. All testing must follow DEP-approved best practices and be conducted by accredited labs, with results reported to the department.
Maddy summaryThis bill (A 1057) amends how traffic fine revenue is allocated in New Jersey, not the title suggests. It adds $1 to each traffic fine to fund existing programs like the Body Armor Replacement Fund, Spinal Cord Research Fund, and Autism Medical Research Fund, and adds $3 to fines for the Forensic DNA Laboratory Fund. The bill does not create new cancer or cardiovascular screenings for law enforcement officers or appropriate $20 million for such screenings, as implied in the title. Instead, it redirects existing fine revenue to existing state funds through revised allocation provisions. The bill is currently pending before the Assembly Public Safety Committee.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey telecommunications companies to automatically provide prorated bill credits or refunds to customers experiencing service outages lasting more than 72 hours. It directly affects all telecom providers regulated by the state board, including traditional phone services and VoIP providers, and their customers. The key mechanism mandates that companies adjust bills proportionally for the outage duration without requiring customers to request the refund. The law specifies that refunds must be applied automatically to the next billing cycle, with no customer action needed. This applies to both local exchange carriers and interexchange telecommunications companies providing regulated services.
Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes a constitutional convention to reform New Jersey's property tax system, requiring two public votes: one in 2012 to approve the convention and another in 2013 to ratify its recommendations. The convention must propose revenue-neutral changes (keeping total state tax revenue the same) to reduce property tax inequities, especially for low- and moderate-income residents, while maintaining current school funding and affordable housing obligations. It mandates that the convention complete its proposals by August 2013 for voter approval in November 2013, with any statutory changes subject to future legislative review.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires public water systems in New Jersey to provide specific notices when issuing or lifting a boil water advisory. It mandates that water systems notify municipal officials (mayors/clerks) within one hour, schools (districts, charter, nonpublic) and customers within 24 hours, and post updates on their websites/social media. Notices must include affected areas, corrective actions, and contact information for questions. Water systems must also collect customers' preferred contact methods (phone, email, text) via water bills to improve future notifications. The law directly affects public water systems, local governments, schools, and residential customers during water safety emergencies.
Maddy summaryThis bill exempts disabled veterans and Purple Heart recipients from paying municipal parking meter fees when traveling in a vehicle displaying their special license plate or placard issued by New Jersey's Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC). It applies only when the veteran or recipient is driving or riding as a passenger, and does not cover vehicles parked longer than 24 hours in one location. The exemption specifically covers parking meter fees, not other parking costs, and requires the MVC to issue the necessary placards. The bill directly affects eligible veterans and Purple Heart recipients using municipal parking.
Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits sex offenders from holding jobs where 80% or more of duties involve contact with children, and makes it a crime to knowingly hire them for such roles. It defines "sex offender" broadly as someone convicted, adjudicated delinquent, or found not guilty by reason of insanity for sex offenses under Megan's Law. Violations carry third-degree criminal penalties (3-5 years in prison, up to $15,000 fine). The law excludes juveniles under 18 working in rehabilitative programs for other juvenile sex offenders.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey sewerage authorities to set uniform residential water and sewer rates based exclusively on metered water consumption, rather than factors like property size, number of fixtures, or occupants. It mandates tiered rates where higher water usage leads to higher charges, and exempts outdoor water use (billed separately) from sewer disposal fees. The policy directly affects residential homeowners who pay for sewer and water services through local authorities. This change eliminates non-metered rate components for homes while maintaining commercial rate flexibility.
Maddy summaryNew Jersey's Assembly Resolution AR 52 urges Congress and the President to restore net neutrality rules by reversing the 2017 FCC decision that removed regulations preventing internet service providers (ISPs) from slowing speeds, blocking content, or creating paid "fast lanes." It specifically calls for reinstating the 2015 framework where all internet traffic must be treated equally, ensuring no discrimination against websites or applications. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new law but formally requests federal action to enforce these principles. The resolution directly addresses the federal government, not New Jersey residents or ISPs.