Asm. Roy Freiman

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 summaryThis bill restructures New Jersey's electric and gas utility industries by allowing electric utilities to choose whether to own and operate generation facilities. If an electric utility elects to own generation, it must file updated tariffs with the Board of Public Utilities for approval, after which customers can no longer choose alternative power suppliers through retail choice. Similarly, gas utilities can discontinue retail choice for residential customers by filing updated tariffs with the Board of Public Utilities. The bill also establishes a new certificate process requiring utilities to obtain Board approval before constructing new electric facilities, including public hearings and environmental assessments, and includes specific provisions for handling costs related to utility accidents.

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 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 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.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires mental health services in New Jersey to be provided in a culturally affirming and linguistically appropriate manner for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. It mandates that services be delivered in the client's primary method of communication, as determined by the client's preference or a communication assessment, and that mental health professionals be certified as fluent in that method. The bill establishes a deaf services coordinator position within the Department of Human Services to oversee implementation, develop certification standards for professionals, and ensure access to services statewide, including through telemedicine in underserved areas. It also requires the development of a statewide system of care with specific standards for communication accessibility and cultural competence in mental health services.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases penalties for retail theft offenses based on the value of stolen goods, with shoplifting over $500 becoming a third-degree crime. It creates a new offense for "fostering the sale of stolen property" (including online sales) and upgrades penalties for "leader of organized retail theft enterprise" to a first-degree crime. The bill establishes a retail theft unit within the Attorney General's office to investigate and prosecute organized retail theft, and includes new requirements for gift card retailers to prevent fraud through packaging standards and third-party reseller record-keeping. It also creates extended prison terms for repeat retail theft offenders and increases penalties for tax evasion related to retail theft.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows health care professionals licensed in other states to practice in New Jersey while their New Jersey licensure applications are being processed. It applies to a wide range of professionals including physicians, nurses, counselors, therapists, and other health care practitioners. The bill requires these professionals to immediately notify New Jersey authorities if their out-of-state license is suspended or disciplined, with a $500 daily penalty for failing to provide this notice. It also establishes temporary licenses for recent health care graduates (within six months of graduation) to practice under supervision while awaiting full licensure.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires outdoor lighting fixtures installed or replaced by the State or at projects receiving State funds to meet specific environmental and efficiency standards. It mandates the use of fully shielded fixtures to prevent upward light pollution, limits light output to necessary levels (not exceeding recommended illuminance), and requires full cutoff fixtures for lights exceeding 1,800 lumens. Temporary exceptions apply for emergencies, nighttime work, or safety needs, and the Department of Transportation must assess whether reflective road markers could replace lighting on roadways. The goal is to reduce energy waste, minimize light trespass and glare, and protect New Jersey's natural nighttime environment.