Asm. Don Guardian

Maddy summaryThis bill requires public water suppliers in New Jersey to immediately notify local governments and schools whenever a serious drinking water violation occurs under federal EPA rules. Specifically, suppliers must contact municipal officials and school administrators (including charter schools, nonpublic schools, and colleges) via phone and email within the affected area. The notification must detail the contaminant, test results, locations of violations, and suggested remedies for affected customers. It applies to all public water systems and ensures transparency about water safety issues impacting communities and educational institutions.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $150,000 from the General Fund to the Department of Community Affairs for the Atlantic County Animal Shelter to operate a one-year free spay-and-neuter clinic for cats. The clinic will provide free spaying, neutering, and vaccinations to help control the local cat population and reduce shelter impoundments and euthanasia rates. The funding is specifically designated for Atlantic County residents and their feline companions, with no cost to participants. The bill authorizes the shelter to use these funds immediately for this pilot program.

Maddy summaryThis bill exempts plastic materials processed at designated "advanced plastic processing facilities" from New Jersey's solid waste disposal and recycling laws. These facilities must transform plastic into non-fuel products (like chemicals or monomers) using methods such as pyrolysis, not into fuel. The exemption excludes PETE (code 1) and HDPE (code 2) plastics. Processors using these facilities avoid state recycling/disposal rules but remain subject to air/water pollution and land-use laws.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 3657) prohibits using software, devices, or technology to bypass security measures on online ticket websites that ensure fair ticket purchasing. It directly affects online ticket sellers (like venues, sports teams, or theaters) and anyone using tools to circumvent their security systems. The key provision bans both creating or providing such tools and employing them to gain unfair access to tickets. Violations are punishable as a fourth-degree crime, carrying potential penalties of up to 18 months in jail or a $10,000 fine.

Maddy summaryACR 29 is a New Jersey legislative resolution requesting Congress to call an Article V convention of states. The bill seeks to propose constitutional amendments that would impose fiscal restraints on the federal government, limit federal power and jurisdiction, and establish term limits for federal officials and members of Congress. It functions as a continuing application, meaning New Jersey's request remains active until two-thirds of states make similar requests on the same issue. This is a procedural step (not a law) to initiate a potential constitutional convention process, directly affecting New Jersey's legislative action and the broader state-level effort to influence federal governance.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the "New Jersey Pandemic Bill of Rights for the Welfare of Individuals," granting specific protections to all New Jersey residents during pandemics, disease outbreaks, or public health emergencies. It requires health care facilities to safeguard nursing home residents and those with preexisting conditions, ensure proper medical evaluation before discharge, provide adequate care and therapies, allow family visitation, and maintain attorney access as essential services. The Commissioner of Health must publish these rights online, and all health care facilities must post them prominently. The bill directly affects vulnerable populations like nursing home residents and patients in medical facilities, aiming to prevent repeat of issues seen during the COVID-19 pandemic, such as restricted family access and inadequate care.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill requires general acute care hospitals to include fentanyl testing in urine drug screenings used to diagnose patient conditions. It directly affects hospitals conducting such screenings, mandating they test for fentanyl - a highly potent synthetic opioid often mixed with other drugs like cocaine or heroin, contributing to overdose deaths. The key provision adds fentanyl to standard screening panels, which currently test for substances like cocaine and other opioids but not fentanyl. The law takes effect immediately but expires on January 1, 2028.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands New Jersey's Epinephrine Access and Emergency Treatment Act to allow any person with a personal prescription for an epinephrine auto-injector (or for their minor child) to administer it to someone experiencing an anaphylactic or similar emergency. Previously, only individuals who completed a certified training program could legally administer the device; this change directly affects people who carry personal prescriptions but haven't completed such training. The key mechanism permits administration by anyone in possession of a valid prescription, without requiring prior certification. The bill also provides liability protection for such actions performed in good faith during emergencies.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 3665) prohibits automobile insurers in New Jersey from using gaps in an applicant's previous insurance coverage as a factor to charge higher premiums. It directly affects drivers who have had a lapse in coverage (e.g., when switching insurers or letting a policy expire) by preventing insurers from penalizing them through higher rates based solely on that gap. The key mechanism amends existing law to explicitly ban underwriting rules that assign higher insurance tiers due to a coverage lapse, requiring insurers to apply uniform pricing rules. This change ensures applicants with past coverage gaps cannot be unfairly charged more than others meeting the same risk criteria. The bill is currently pending in the Assembly Financial Institutions and Insurance Committee.

Maddy summaryThis bill exempts from motor vehicle registration fees certain vehicles owned by local senior nutrition programs (specifically Meals on Wheels America members) and nonprofit organizations providing social services in New Jersey, such as addiction support or mental health services. The exemption applies to vehicles not used for pleasure or hire, requiring them to still be registered with standard or special number plates valid for up to 26 months. Owners may transfer the special registration to a new vehicle by applying to the chief administrator, maintaining compliance without fee payments.