Asm. Roy Freiman

Maddy summaryThis bill directs New Jersey's Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to study whether small modular reactors (SMRs) - nuclear reactors under 300 megawatts - can be feasibly deployed statewide. The BPU must complete this 18-month study, using $5 million in state funds, and consult with environmental and economic agencies. The study will examine suitable locations (like retired power sites), regulatory requirements, economic costs, safety, environmental impacts, and public input through three hearings. It will also assess how SMRs could integrate with existing energy infrastructure and recommend a potential pilot program for future deployment.

Maddy summaryThis bill, S 2373 (the "New Jersey First Responders PTSD Protection Act"), protects paid first responders (including police, firefighters, EMTs, and 911 dispatchers) who are diagnosed with work-related PTSD. It prohibits public employers from firing, harassing, or discriminating against these employees for taking leave related to a PTSD diagnosis verified by a licensed medical professional. Employers must reinstate employees to their prior roles after medical clearance and face civil penalties of up to $10,000 per violation if they retaliate. The law applies only when PTSD arises from trauma directly tied to job duties, such as witnessing incidents or experiencing vicarious trauma while performing official responsibilities.

Maddy summaryS 2961 requires contractors working on New Jersey public works projects (funded by public money) to certify that each employee meets one of three minimum qualifications: a high school diploma or GED, enrollment in an equivalent apprenticeship program, or four years of documented trade work experience verified by tax filings. Contractors must submit this certification as part of their registration with the state, alongside other required documentation like business details and insurance proof. Non-compliance could lead to denial, suspension, or revocation of the contractor’s public works registration. The bill directly affects contractors bidding on public projects and the workers they employ on those projects.

Maddy summaryBill A5538 prohibits New Jersey municipal water utilities from charging fire districts for fire protection systems when the utility is already charging water service fees to customers who are taxpayers of that fire district. This prevents double-charging for the same fire protection water service - once through utility bills and again through fire district taxes. The bill amends state law to require that water utility rate structures exclude such charges on fire districts under these specific circumstances. It directly affects municipal water authorities and fire districts across New Jersey.

Maddy summaryS 4509 provides additional licensing eligibility for businesses involved in the manufacture, distribution, and sale of intoxicating hemp products in New Jersey. The bill amends definitions to clarify what constitutes intoxicating hemp products, establishes new licensing categories, and permits out-of-state hemp entities to apply for New Jersey licenses if their home state's standards are substantially similar. It requires criminal background checks for applicants, provides a 120-day transition period for current license holders to comply with new requirements, and establishes tax and excise fee structures to fund social equity programs. The legislation aims to create a regulated market for intoxicating hemp products while addressing previous legal challenges to New Jersey's regulatory framework.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows school counselors, psychologists, and other mental health professionals in New Jersey public schools to refer students to private licensed mental health providers (such as psychologists or social workers) for assessments and services. It prohibits referrals to a provider if the school staff or their immediate family has a significant financial interest in that provider. Parents or guardians must consent for students who cannot legally consent themselves, and neither the school district nor the referring staff bears the cost of these private services. The bill does not restrict schools from providing mental health services directly to students. It aims to expand access to mental health care through school-based referrals while maintaining safeguards.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all New Jersey state agencies and local governments (including counties, municipalities, school districts, and public authorities) to purchase 5% of their goods and services from the Central Nonprofit Agency (CNA). The CNA distributes products made at rehabilitation facilities that employ people with disabilities. Key provisions include mandating training for purchasing agents on the CNA program, requiring quarterly reporting on compliance, and granting the CNA a "right of first refusal" for goods/services if priced within 15% of fair market value. The law aims to support employment for people with disabilities by ensuring a steady market for goods produced at rehabilitation facilities.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Division of Medical Assistance and Health Services (DHS) and the State Board of Medical Examiners to create a faster process for reviewing applications from doctors who want to join NJ FamilyCare (the state's Medicaid and children's health insurance program). Specifically, the medical board must share a physician's license number with DHS within 5 days of issuing it (or provide denial documentation within 5 days if licensure is denied), and DHS must begin processing applications immediately if they include license details or proof of pending licensure. DHS must also notify applicants within 10 days of receiving the license number if additional documents are needed. The bill does not change existing licensing or enrollment requirements and clarifies that approval cannot be granted before DHS receives a National Provider Identifier number.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 4101) requires social media companies with at least five million global users to provide New Jersey residents a free, 24-hour toll-free phone number to report fraudulent account activity, such as unauthorized access. Social media companies must publish this number in security emails sent to New Jersey users and on their platform’s homepage or help page. Non-compliance would violate existing consumer protection laws, potentially leading to penalties. The law directly affects New Jersey account holders and major social media platforms operating in the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates two key programs in New Jersey. First, it establishes an Air Traffic Controller Loan Redemption Program, allowing eligible NJ-resident controllers employed at approved airports to have up to $100,000 of their student loans redeemed over four years of service (16% after year one, 26% after year two, etc.). Second, it appropriates $2.5 million to fund a grant program for public colleges to join the federal Air Traffic-Collegiate Training Initiative, support a Center for Unidentified Aerial Phenomena studies, and develop non-engineering aviation degrees with air traffic control coursework. The bill requires participating colleges to already be in the federal Unmanned Aircraft Systems program and prioritizes institutions in counties of the first class. Total funding is $3.5 million ($1 million for loan redemptions, $2.5 million for college grants).