Asm. Don Guardian

Maddy summaryBill A 1465 revises New Jersey's Coastal Area Facility Review Act (CAFRA) to expand which municipalities require Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) permits for certain large developments. It adds cities of the fourth class ranked in the top two percent of the state's 2020 Municipal Revitalization Index to the existing groups (qualifying municipalities and cities with over 30,000 residents) that must follow CAFRA's threshold rules. For these cities, DEP permits are now required for residential projects with 75+ units, commercial projects with 150+ parking spaces, or industrial/public developments located beyond 500 feet from the water's edge. This change extends existing permitting standards to new municipalities without altering the specific thresholds for development size.

Maddy summaryThis bill removes an exemption in New Jersey's Smoke-Free Air Act that previously allowed smoking in casinos and casino simulcasting facilities. Currently, these venues could permit smoking in areas used for gambling (like slot machine rooms or table games), but the bill would eliminate that exception. After passage, all indoor areas of casinos and simulcasting facilities open to the public for gambling would be required to be smoke-free. This change aligns these venues with the state's general indoor smoking ban, which applies to most public workplaces and spaces.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill allows public school students to miss class for participating in musical performances at military funerals, including playing "Taps," without the absence counting as unexcused. It directly affects students in public schools who perform at these ceremonies honoring veterans or service members. The law requires schools to record such absences as excused on attendance records, exclude them from perfect attendance calculations, and not list them on transcripts or employment forms. Students must provide documentation to verify their participation, as determined by school administrators.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs New Jersey's Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to create rules for small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs), defined as reactors under 300 megawatts capacity requiring U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission licensing. It authorizes the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (EDA) to use 60% of funds from the Global Warming Solutions Fund to provide grants and financial incentives for the construction and operation of SMRs. The policy directly affects commercial entities building or operating these reactors, with funding prioritizing projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions or energy demand. The bill establishes a concrete mechanism for state support of SMR development through EDA’s grant programs, without specifying project outcomes.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes New Jersey's license plate requirement from two plates (front and rear) to a single plate displayed only on the rear of most vehicles. It directly affects all standard vehicle owners who currently have two plates, requiring them to return one plate to the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) and display just one rear plate. The bill amends state law to specify that the single plate must be shown on the rear, with exceptions for motorcycles, commercial vehicles, and certain commercial vehicles. The transition period allows existing two-plate holders to return one plate without penalty. The change takes effect four months after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's state departments and agencies to create a centralized, searchable database on the state's official website containing all public programs. The database must organize programs by eligibility categories like age and income, include specific details for each program (such as purpose, eligibility, application steps, and direct links), and be updated regularly. State agencies must provide standardized program information within 30 days of the bill's effective date. The database aims to make it easier for residents to find and apply for state assistance programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates New Jersey law to align the minimum age requirement for municipal police officers with a 1974 state Supreme Court ruling. It amends N.J.S.40A:14-127 to change the minimum age from 21 to 18 years, removing an outdated barrier that previously prevented 18- to 20-year-olds from applying. The change directly affects municipal police departments and applicants aged 18-35 seeking appointment to police forces. The law now reflects the court’s determination that the age of majority (18) supersedes the prior 21-year minimum for public employment eligibility.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs New Jersey's State Auditor to conduct a performance review audit of the Division of Unemployment and Temporary Disability Insurance within the Department of Labor and Workforce Development. The audit will examine whether the division efficiently uses federal and state funds, has enough staff to meet legal requirements, and handles application processing effectively - especially during emergencies. It must analyze operational efficiency, resource use, and compliance with state laws, then provide recommendations for improvements. The State Auditor must submit a final report to the Governor and Legislature within one year of the bill's effective date.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A3674) amends New Jersey's Megan's Law to require county prosecutors to assess a sex offender's risk of re-offending *before* their release from prison, rather than after release as under current law. It removes "residence situation" (e.g., whether the offender lives in a supervised home) as a risk factor, since this cannot be known prior to release. Prosecutors must now use revised factors - like criminal history, treatment response, and recent behavior - to assign a risk level (low/moderate/high) and determine community notification requirements. This change directly affects sex offenders nearing release and county prosecutors responsible for pre-release evaluations.

Maddy summaryThis bill allocates $450,000 from the "Drug Enforcement and Demand Reduction Fund" (funded by fines from drug offenders) to support the Hooked on Fishing-Not on Drugs Program. The program, administered by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, uses free fishing events to engage youth in drug prevention activities. The bill requires the state to ensure annual funding from this fund or other sources to maintain the program's operations. It does not create new policy but secures dedicated funding for an existing youth outreach initiative.