Asm. Yvonne Lopez

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill prohibits the sale, manufacture, distribution, and use of firefighting foam containing PFAS (perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances) after two years, with limited exceptions for certain facilities. It allows oil refineries and petroleum terminals to continue using PFAS-containing foam for up to eight years, with potential extensions through a waiver process requiring proof of no available alternatives. The bill requires manufacturers to recall PFAS-containing foam within 27 months and directs the Department of Environmental Protection to establish a collection and disposal program for such foam, appropriating $250,000 for initial funding. Fire departments and facilities using PFAS-containing foam must report usage and implement containment measures to prevent environmental releases. The law aims to protect public health and the environment from PFAS contamination while providing a transition period for essential facilities.

Maddy summaryThis bill would upgrade simple assault against certain armed security officers to aggravated assault. Specifically, it adds "armed security officers regulated pursuant to P.L.2004, c.134 (C.45:19A-1 et seq.) and sections 5 and 6 of P.L.2015, c.295" (known as "Detective Melvin Vincent Santiago's Law") to the list of protected individuals under assault statutes. Currently, simple assault against law enforcement officers is typically a disorderly persons offense, but this bill would make such assaults against these security officers a third-degree crime if bodily injury occurs, or a fourth-degree crime if not. The bill also expands the disarming statute to include these security officers, applying when they're clearly identifiable as performing their duties or in uniform.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey Assembly Bill A2256 requires state and county correctional facilities to evaluate all new inmates for substance use disorders upon admission. If an inmate is identified as needing treatment, facilities must offer medication-assisted treatment (MAT) - using FDA-approved medications like methadone or buprenorphine combined with counseling - on a voluntary basis. Inmates who agree to MAT must receive withdrawal management services, behavioral health counseling, and access to approved medications. The bill applies to all inmates in state and county facilities who require temporary or ongoing management of a substance use disorder, aligning correctional treatment with community standards.

Maddy summaryThis bill permits New Jersey couples to obtain marriage or civil union licenses and hold their ceremonies via live video conferencing instead of requiring in-person meetings. To comply, participants must maintain live interaction during the video session, present valid photo ID, and digitally sign documents that are transmitted sequentially to all required signatories. The law updates existing statutes (R.S. 37:1-8 and R.S. 37:1-17) to allow remote processing while requiring verification of identity and statutory compliance. It applies to all couples seeking marriage licenses or civil unions through New Jersey’s official licensing system.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a 15-member Legislative Enactment Oversight Committee within the New Jersey Department of State. The committee will monitor how state agencies implement new laws and joint resolutions, ensuring they are carried out effectively, efficiently, and on time within their specific provisions. It will track implementation progress, assess delays and resource needs, and submit biannual reports to the Governor and Legislature. The committee members, appointed by the Governor with legislative recommendations based on specific expertise areas, will serve full-time with salaries capped at $120,000 for the chair and $90,000 for other members.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A2236) revises New Jersey's system for specialty license plates, which allow nonprofit organizations to create plates with their name or logo. It requires organizations seeking these plates to have at least 1,000 members in New Jersey, maintain nonprofit status for five consecutive years, and provide IRS documentation. The bill prohibits offensive content, product promotion, or political/religious messages on plates, allows organizations to collect voluntary donations from plate users, and gives the chief administrator more authority to discontinue plates that aren't cost-effective. Specialty plates for dedicated causes (like charity or historical causes) will be reclassified under this system, with fees changing to $35 per plate and revenues going to the Motor Vehicle Commission rather than specific funds.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey Assembly Bill A2335 creates a voluntary "Pollinator Pathway" designation for municipalities that meet specific habitat standards. To qualify, towns must provide pollinator habitat, include native host plants supporting butterfly species (like milkweeds), offer seasonal nectar sources, ensure water/shelter access, and implement at least five conservation practices (e.g., reducing pesticides, using native plants, rainwater harvesting). The Department of Environmental Protection will issue a standardized sign to qualifying municipalities after a statewide logo contest every decade. This bill directly affects New Jersey municipalities seeking to enhance local ecosystems and support declining pollinator populations.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a five-year pilot program for "creative crosswalks" in New Jersey, where public schools can submit student-designed crosswalks using colors and textures to improve visibility and beautify existing crosswalks. Public schools must apply with municipality approval, and up to 10 schools (with regional diversity) will be selected yearly to replace standard crosswalks with student-designed options. The program requires state officials to report on safety and participation after the pilot ends, focusing on low-cost, creative engagement for students.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A2224) creates a state income tax credit for residents who pay postage to send priority mail packages to active-duty military personnel or National Guard members stationed at any military location, both in the U.S. and abroad. The credit equals the exact postage cost paid for these packages during the taxable year, directly reducing the taxpayer's state income tax bill after other credits are applied. Excess credit amounts result in a refund to the taxpayer. The policy specifically targets postage expenses for sending care packages to service members, with no other eligibility requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's child care subsidy payments to licensed providers and registered family day care centers to be based on the number of enrolled children (not actual attendance) on October 15 and April 15 each year. It directly affects child care providers serving low-income families who rely on state subsidies for funding. The key change ends current practice of basing payments on daily attendance, aiming to provide more stable income amid pandemic-related enrollment fluctuations. The bill also directs the state to seek necessary federal waivers to maintain funding eligibility for these programs.