Asm. Joe Danielsen

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $500,000 from the State General Fund to Rutgers University-New Brunswick specifically for its Nurture thru Nature (NtN) program. The NtN program provides STEM education and hands-on learning to students in grades 3-12, with a focus on addressing educational gaps in nearby inner-city school districts. The funding is a supplemental appropriation for the 2025 fiscal year to support this existing program's operations.

Maddy summaryThis bill, the "New Home Fire Safety Act," requires fire suppression systems in all newly constructed single and two-family homes in New Jersey (excluding manufactured homes and homes not connected to public water systems). It mandates that local officials cannot issue a certificate of occupancy until a fire suppression system meets state safety standards set by the Commissioner of Community Affairs. Key provisions include requiring systems to comply with specific technical codes, install separate shut-off valves, and include dedicated water meters for fire suppression. The requirement would apply to homes with construction permits issued after the bill's effective date (seven months post-enactment), but not to existing homes or those with permits approved before the bill takes effect.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A-1154) requires doctors, physician assistants, and advanced practice nurses to obtain written or electronic consent before prescribing psychotropic medications (like those for ADHD) that carry the FDA’s strongest safety warning ("black box warning"). The consent must confirm the patient or their legal guardian was informed about serious potential side effects. If written consent isn’t possible, providers must document oral consent in the patient’s file. Violations could lead to disciplinary action by licensing boards. The bill affects patients receiving these specific medications and their healthcare providers.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey bill A 3567 requires municipalities to adopt state-approved land use regulations that allow accessory dwelling units (ADUs) - secondary homes on the same lot as a primary residence - within single-family and two-family zones. The bill mandates that local zoning rules must align with state model ordinances, ensuring property owners can develop ADUs without restrictive barriers. It directly affects homeowners seeking to add ADUs for rental income or family housing, as well as municipalities responsible for updating zoning codes. The bill, pending before the legislature, aims to expand housing supply by streamlining ADU development while maintaining neighborhood character.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes New Jersey's Deepfake Technology Unit within the Division of Criminal Justice to combat AI-generated deceptive media (deepfakes). The unit will provide law enforcement, prosecutors, and courts with technical expertise, training, and evidence analysis to detect and investigate deepfakes - defined as AI-manipulated videos, audio, or images that falsely depict people or events. It requires the unit to issue annual reports on detection methods, technological advances, and policy recommendations, and appropriates $2 million from the General Fund to cover operational costs. The unit directly supports state and local agencies in addressing a growing threat to public safety and legal integrity.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey bill A1165 prohibits state and local government agencies from purchasing single-use plastic beverage containers (like sealed plastic bottles or cans) for their operations. The law applies to all government entities with procurement authority, including departments, schools, and municipalities, but allows exceptions for existing contracts or if alternatives would cause economic hardship. Agencies must review and update their purchasing rules within one year to comply. The bill does not affect public consumption of such containers or require changes to private businesses.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes New Jersey school districts to establish a "charter school payment reserve account" to cover unexpected increases in payments to charter schools. It directly affects school districts that initially budgeted less than the projected payment amount for charter school enrollment. The reserve account can be funded through annual budget appropriations or transfers of unspent funds at year-end, and it covers the difference between the initial projection and the actual payment required based on enrollment data as of October 15 each year. This creates a mechanism for districts to adjust payments without immediate budget revisions.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends civil immunity to New Jersey first responders (including volunteer fire departments, emergency squads, EMTs, and medical personnel) who forcibly enter homes, businesses, or structures during emergencies. It applies when responders reasonably believe entry is necessary for emergency medical care or to prevent imminent harm, and no property occupant responds to entry requests within a reasonable time. The immunity covers civil damages from such entries but excludes liability for motor vehicle operations or willful/wanton misconduct. It amends multiple existing statutes to codify this protection across various emergency service roles.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all New Jersey state government buildings - including offices, agencies, and state universities - to separate and recycle specific materials like aluminum, cardboard, glass, paper, and plastic waste. State entities must provide recycling bins, signage, and education for both employees and the public, and arrange for collection and transportation of recyclables through licensed vendors. The rule does not apply to state parks or forests using a "carry-in, carry-out" trash program. The Department of the Treasury will create compliance guidance and coordinate with courts and the legislature to ensure all state branches follow the requirements.

Maddy summaryThis proposed bill would increase New Jersey jury pay from $5 to $40 per day for all grand and petit jurors, replacing the current rate. It adds travel reimbursement (based on standard mileage for cars or actual fares for public transit) and toll reimbursements for jurors traveling to court. Private employers with 10 or more employees would be required to pay up to five days' salary during jury duty, without using the employee’s paid time off. The bill appropriates $20 million from the General Fund to cover these new costs.