Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 3620 requires electric and gas utilities using smart meters to establish an "Energy Bill Watch" program for smart meter customers. The program mandates utilities to notify customers when their daily usage exceeds the previous billing cycle's average (on the 10th and 20th days of each cycle), offer customizable dollar-value alerts, and include average monthly usage costs and kilowatt/therm amounts in notifications. Utilities must automatically enroll smart meter customers, provide opt-out options, advertise the program through multiple channels, and include specific billing details in all customer bills (previous cycle amount, current cycle amount, and the difference between them). This bill directly affects smart meter customers of New Jersey's electric and gas utilities.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A567) requires courts to order counseling for children who have witnessed or been exposed to domestic violence in households where abuse has occurred. It establishes a legal presumption that custody of minor children should be awarded to the non-abusive parent when a final restraining order is issued in domestic violence cases. The bill also permits courts to order the abusive parent to pay for the child's counseling and requires them to provide proof of payment to the court. Additionally, it mandates that courts consider the child's exposure to domestic violence when making custody decisions, prioritizing the child's safety and well-being.
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 summaryThis bill creates a three-year pilot program for Integrated Domestic Violence Courts in Camden, Essex, Hudson, and Middlesex counties. It combines domestic violence cases, divorce, child custody, and related criminal matters under a single judge to streamline proceedings, reduce court appearances, and improve victim safety. The courts will include on-site resource coordinators, victim advocates, and social workers, and judges must have specialized knowledge in domestic violence law. The program requires the court administration to monitor effectiveness and report to the legislature after 12 months and at the program’s conclusion.
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 extends the period allowing police and fire chiefs to remain in their roles beyond age 65. It specifically applies to chiefs serving as of April 12, 2022, who would turn 65 during the original 24-month window (ending in 2024). The extension changes the deadline from 24 to 48 calendar months after the effective date, permitting continued service until the end of the calendar year they turn 67 if approved in writing by their appointing authority. The bill also requires the retirement system board to report on the impact of this extension to the Governor and Legislature.
Maddy summaryThis bill extends a provision allowing police and fire chiefs to delay mandatory retirement beyond age 65. It applies specifically to chiefs serving as of April 12, 2022, who will turn 65 during the period ending April 2026 (previously ending April 2024). Under the extension, these chiefs may continue serving until the end of the calendar year they turn 67, with written approval from their appointing authority. The bill also requires the retirement system board to report on the number of retained chiefs, their extended service duration, and the policy's impact on the retirement system.
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 summaryNew Jersey's A 4361 establishes rules for app-based micro transit services (like on-demand shuttle programs) operating within the state. It requires drivers to hold commercial licenses and receive equal pay/wages as other transit workers, ensures new services expand coverage to "transit deserts" (areas with limited public transit access) without replacing existing routes, and mandates that existing employees aren't harmed by new programs. The bill creates a three-member Micro Transit Oversight Committee - representing transit agencies, the legislature, and transit worker unions - to review and certify all program plans before implementation. These requirements apply to New Jersey Transit, county agencies, and third-party contractors providing such services.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a statewide heat stress standard to protect workers from heat-related illness and injury in New Jersey. It requires most employers to develop and implement heat-related illness and injury prevention plans that include monitoring heat exposure, providing cool or cold potable water, offering paid rest breaks with access to shade or climate-controlled spaces, implementing emergency response procedures, and conducting employee training. Commercial farms have a separate prevention plan developed by the Department of Agriculture, while amusement parks and certain emergency operations (like firefighting and law enforcement) are exempt. Employers must conduct annual reviews of their plans, maintain records for three years, and face penalties for violations or retaliation against employees who report heat-related concerns. The bill takes effect immediately, with the Department of Labor required to adopt implementing rules by June 1, 2025.