Asm. Don Guardian

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a one-year pilot program to help New Jersey fire departments test new technology for fighting electric vehicle fires. The Division of Fire Safety will award $5,000 grants to county fire marshals or code enforcers (where no marshal exists) to purchase and test emerging fire suppression equipment. Grantees must submit annual reports detailing the technology used, its effectiveness, and whether additional equipment would benefit their department. The program is funded by up to $115,000 from the Universal Service Fund, with $10,000 reserved for program administration. It expires one year after enactment, aiming to address documented challenges in extinguishing high-voltage battery fires.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey school districts to keep nasal rescue medications (like diazepam or midazolam sprays) and portable oxygen devices in secure, accessible locations throughout all school buildings and during school events. School nurses must designate trained staff to administer these during seizures if the nurse isn't present, after obtaining parental written consent and confirming staff training through state-established protocols. Parents must sign agreements acknowledging the school has no liability for injuries from administration and agree to cover potential costs. The state will reimburse districts for these costs, with training protocols developed by the Department of Education and Health.

Maddy summaryThis bill allocates $50 million in existing federal pandemic relief funds to New Jersey's Department of Labor and Workforce Development. The funds will directly improve the unemployment insurance (UI) program's ability to process claims faster, addressing delays caused by the pandemic-era surge in filings. Key mechanisms include using the money for technology upgrades and hiring temporary staff to handle the backlog. The department must submit an implementation plan to the Legislature within 20 days of the bill taking effect. The bill does not change UI eligibility or benefit amounts, only the processing capacity.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires public high schools (grades 9-12) to have counselors or teachers discuss career paths in skilled labor, military service, or agriculture with students and their parents. It specifically mandates that military enlistment discussions include information about the military enlistment test. The state education commissioner must also provide schools with resources detailing these career opportunities, required education, certifications, or apprenticeships. The bill applies to all public schools with grades 9-12 and takes effect immediately after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new "County Tourism Incentive Grant Fund" within New Jersey's Department of Treasury to provide grants to counties for tourism advertising and promotion. It uses excess revenue from hotel and motel occupancy fees (collected above what was budgeted for the prior fiscal year) to fund these grants. Counties must apply annually by October 1, detail how funds will be used for tourism promotion, and agree not to reduce existing tourism spending with the grant money. Grants are calculated based on each county's share of statewide hotel tax revenue, with payments made annually starting in fiscal year 2022.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows businesses or individuals who violate New Jersey environmental laws to replace part of their fine with a supplemental environmental project (SEP) that reduces pollution. The Department of Environmental Protection must approve the project proposal, which must detail the work, costs, and environmental benefits. The SEP can cover up to 75% of the penalty (50% for water pollution violations), but participation is voluntary and requires department approval based on factors like community impact and project feasibility. The bill aims to direct funds toward actual environmental improvements rather than solely collecting fines.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases retirement benefits for New Jersey police and fire personnel who suffer disabilities caused by weapons while on duty. It changes the accidental disability pension from 2/3 of a member's salary to 100% of their annual compensation when the disability results from weapon use. The amendment specifically applies to members of the Police and Firemen’s Retirement System (PFRS) and requires the disability to be directly linked to weapon-related incidents during service. This adjustment provides higher financial support compared to the current standard for weapon-related injuries.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases penalties for manufacturing, distributing, or dispensing certain Schedule I and II controlled substances in New Jersey. It raises the severity of offenses based on drug quantity - for example, heroin or cocaine analogs in 5 ounces or more become a first-degree crime (with mandatory minimum prison time), while smaller amounts face lower-degree charges. Key changes include stricter sentencing ranges (requiring one-third to one-half of the sentence to be served without parole eligibility) and higher fines, up to $500,000 for first-degree offenses. The bill directly affects individuals involved in distributing these drugs, including heroin, methamphetamine, LSD, PCP, and marijuana (with specific quantity thresholds for marijuana offenses).

Maddy summaryThis bill exempts sales and use tax on passenger automobiles purchased by veterans who were honorably discharged and have a disability related to their military service, as confirmed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. It defines "passenger automobile" as any vehicle designed for passenger transport (excluding buses), and "service-connected disability" as an injury or illness incurred during active duty. The exemption applies to sales occurring two months after the bill's enactment, directly benefiting eligible veterans purchasing new or used cars. The law modifies New Jersey’s existing Sales and Use Tax Act to provide this tax relief.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution (ACR 59) declares that the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection's (DEP) proposed "NJPACT-REAL" rules - aimed at climate resilience and expanding flood zones - are inconsistent with legislative intent. It challenges the DEP's authority to unilaterally create these rules, arguing they exceed constitutional limits since the Legislature never authorized such sweeping changes through new laws. The resolution requires the DEP to amend or withdraw the rules within 30 days or face potential legislative action to invalidate them. This is a procedural step, not a law altering policies, focusing solely on the DEP's proposed rules' constitutional validity.