Asm. Mitchelle Drulis

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey state agencies to improve public access to their rulemaking processes. It mandates that agencies publish detailed information online, including organizational descriptions, permit fees, deadlines, final decisions, and a quarterly rulemaking calendar. Agencies must now provide a 90-day public comment period for proposed rules (up from 60 days) and make all rulemaking documents accessible via websites. These changes directly affect all state agencies by increasing transparency and public engagement in regulatory decisions.

Maddy summaryThis bill makes New Jersey's property tax exemption for veterans with a 100% service-connected disability retroactive to the date the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs determined their total disability. It directly affects veterans who qualify under the law (e.g., those with paraplegia, blindness, or amputations) by requiring municipalities to refund property taxes paid since that determination date. The state must reimburse municipalities 102% of the refunded taxes to cover the cost of returning payments to veterans.

Maddy summaryThis Assembly Resolution (AR 183) is a symbolic statement of support for Ukraine and Ukrainian refugees in New Jersey. It directly affects Ukrainian refugees residing in NJ and local service providers who lost federal funding for refugee programs after the January 2025 suspension of the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program. The resolution urges the federal government to unfreeze funding for refugee assistance (including employment services and language training), continue military and economic aid to Ukraine, and pursue a negotiated peace that preserves Ukraine’s sovereignty. It does not create new laws or change existing policies but expresses New Jersey’s solidarity with Ukraine and calls for federal action.

Maddy summaryACR 157 is a symbolic resolution condemning Hinduphobia and anti-Hindu bigotry, directly affirming support for Hindu Americans in New Jersey. It formally declares the state's stance against prejudice toward Hinduism ("Sanatana Dharma") and Hindus, citing documented hate crimes and Hindu contributions to U.S. society. The resolution requires transmission to the Governor, New Jersey’s congressional delegation, and the Hindu American Foundation in Washington, DC. As a concurrent resolution, it does not create legal obligations but serves as a public statement of the state’s position. It recognizes Hinduism’s global significance and the community’s economic and cultural contributions to New Jersey and the U.S.

Maddy summaryThe "Climate Superfund Act" would hold fossil fuel companies liable for climate change damages by requiring them to pay compensatory payments based on their historical greenhouse gas emissions. It targets companies that extracted or refined fossil fuels and are responsible for over one billion metric tons of emissions between 1995 and the bill's effective date. The bill establishes a program through New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection to collect these payments and distribute funds for climate adaptation projects, such as flood protection, infrastructure upgrades, and health programs. Companies would pay their proportional share of damages over nine years, with options for installment payments, and the collected funds would specifically support projects that help communities prepare for climate impacts.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 1445 requires public colleges and universities to readmit undergraduate students who withdrew due to military service (including active duty, National Guard, or Reserve service). Schools must reinstate students with their exact academic standing from before their service interruption. Students must submit a written request for the next available semester, and institutions cannot charge application or processing fees for these requests. The law applies starting the first full academic year after its effective date.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A5388) requires New Jersey emergency medical technicians (EMTs) to complete new training on recognizing and appropriately responding to individuals experiencing mental health crises. It amends existing law (P.L.2008, c.80) to mandate that the Department of Health develop a curriculum covering mental health response techniques, which must be integrated into EMT certification and continuing education requirements. All currently certified EMTs must complete this training within 36 months of the law's effective date through existing continuing education programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey school districts to make three versions of their budgets publicly accessible: the proposed budget submitted to the Commissioner, the commissioner-approved version (posted 48 hours before public hearings), and the final adopted budget. All versions must be available online (if a district has a website) and in print in "user-friendly" plain language, with additional copies provided upon request. The bill expands current transparency requirements by adding the commissioner-approved budget to the public inspection process and mandates plain-language summaries. It directly affects all New Jersey school districts preparing budgets for the 2026-2027 school year or later.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey electric and gas utilities using smart meters to create an "Energy Bill Watch" program for customers. It mandates utilities to notify smart meter customers on the 10th and 20th days of each billing cycle if their usage exceeds their previous cycle's average, allow customers to set dollar-based usage alerts, and provide monthly cost and consumption data in notifications. Utilities must automatically enroll smart meter customers (with opt-out options), advertise the program via email, social media, websites, and bills, and include specific billing details - previous cycle cost, current cycle cost, and the difference - on all customer bills. The program applies only to utilities using smart meters and takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows commercial farms on preserved farmland (that produce at least $10,000 annually in agricultural products) to host special occasion events like weddings and parties on their land. It specifically permits the use of permanent structures built within the last five years for these events, provided the total revenue from such events doesn't exceed 10% of the farm's annual revenue. Farms must obtain approval from the entity holding the farmland preservation deed, and events are limited to 26 per year with restrictions on size (max 10 acres or 10% of land) and guest numbers (max 250 for six events). Temporary structures like tents are allowed year-round with certain restrictions, while permanent structures built more than five years ago can always be used.