Asm. Jim Kennedy

Maddy summaryThis bill allocates $7.5 million annually from existing constitutionally dedicated CBT revenue to create a new "Preserve New Jersey Highlands Preservation Fund." The funds will be used by the Highlands Water Protection and Planning Council to acquire land in the Highlands Region for recreation, conservation, farmland preservation, and as a state match for federal conservation grants. Specifically, $5 million comes from the Green Acres Fund and $2.5 million from the Farmland Preservation Fund. The bill establishes clear spending rules, requiring project-specific appropriations and annual reporting on land preserved and federal funds leveraged.

Maddy summaryThis bill reinstates automatic cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) for retirement benefits of members in New Jersey's Police and Firemen's Retirement System (PFRS). It directly affects current and future retirees who are members of this system, restoring annual benefit increases tied to inflation. The key provision amends existing law to allow the retirement system's board of trustees to reinstate these automatic COLAs without requiring additional contributions from members, provided actuarial certification confirms the change won't harm the fund's long-term stability. The bill does not create new benefits but returns a previously reduced feature of the retirement system.

Maddy summaryThis bill provides tax credits for businesses purchasing electric vehicle (EV) charging stations and converting commercial fleets to zero-emission vehicles. It allows a 50% credit (capped at $1,000 per charging station) for station purchases/installation and up to $100,000 for qualifying zero-emission vehicles based on weight (e.g., $25,000 for under 14,000 lbs). Businesses must apply for certification from the Environmental Protection Commissioner, including proof of purchase and installation, within 90 days. The credits apply to both corporation business tax and gross income tax, with unused credits carryable for up to seven years. The policy directly affects commercial entities investing in EV infrastructure and fleet transitions.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits pet shops in New Jersey from selling cats, dogs, or rabbits, directly affecting pet shops, breeders, brokers, and animal shelters/rescues. It requires pet shops to collaborate with shelters for adoption showcases (without payment), bans shelters from paying breeders for animals, and fines violators $1,000 per violation - with license revocation for three or more offenses. The law aims to disrupt the "puppy-mill-to-pet-store pipeline" by prioritizing adoption over commercial breeding sales. It does not affect pet shop sales of other animals or pet supplies.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a three-year pilot program to expand paratransit services for seniors and people with disabilities in New Jersey, focusing on areas not well-served by the existing Access Link program. It requires the Transportation Commissioner to designate three regions (north, central, and south), prioritize community-based organizations serving seniors/disabled individuals, and set strict standards for providers (including insurance, vehicle safety, staff training, and 15-minute pickup guarantees). Approved providers must maintain detailed service logs and report on wait times and complaints. After the pilot, the Transportation and Human Services Commissioners must submit a report evaluating the program’s success and recommending whether to make it permanent statewide. The bill directly affects seniors, people with disabilities, and community-based transportation providers seeking to participate.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires that low-speed electric bicycles, powered mobility devices (like scooters), and their batteries be tested for safety by an accredited lab before being sold, rented, leased, or distributed to consumers. The testing must meet specific safety standards (such as Underwriters Laboratories standards), and the results must be displayed via a lab logo on the product or its packaging at the time of sale. Sellers who fail to comply face a written warning for a first violation and up to $1,000 in penalties for each subsequent violation within two years. The rule does not apply to second-hand sales without packaging or documentation.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires restaurant chains with 20 or more national locations in New Jersey to display clear sodium warnings for menu items containing 2,300mg or more of sodium (high sodium content). Specifically, it mandates a black-and-white triangle icon next to such items on menus or menu boards, plus a visible statement at the point of purchase explaining that the sodium level exceeds the daily recommended limit. Restaurants failing to comply face fines starting at $50 for the first offense, increasing to $250 for repeat violations. The law fills a gap where chains currently only provide sodium information upon request or via websites, not as a standard menu requirement.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 1857) prohibits the sale, purchase, use, and application of chlorpyrifos insecticide throughout New Jersey. It amends existing pesticide law (P.L.1971, c.176) to explicitly ban chlorpyrifos, replacing its current "restricted use" status. The prohibition would take effect seven months after the bill is enacted. The bill also requires pesticide applicator training on pesticide impacts on pollinating bees. The bill is currently pending in the Assembly Consumer Affairs Committee.

Maddy summaryThis bill repeals a 1995 law (P.L.1995, c.63) that prohibited public colleges from adding funds for legislative agents or organizations to student tuition bills. It directly affects students at New Jersey public colleges, removing a restriction that previously barred mandatory assessments for groups seeking to influence legislation. The repealed law had allowed optional student fees for nonpartisan legislative organizations only if approved by a student referendum, with specific disclosure requirements. This bill eliminates that requirement, allowing institutions to assess funds for legislative activities without those restrictions.

Maddy summaryThis bill restructures the governance of New Jersey's State Health Benefits Program (SHBP), which provides health coverage to state employees. It creates a new 11-member State Health Benefits Commission (replacing the previous structure) and a separate 12-member Plan Design Committee. The Commission includes the Treasurer, agency heads, and members appointed by labor unions representing state employees, while the Plan Design Committee focuses specifically on designing health plan benefits like medical, dental, and prescription coverage. These changes affect all state employees enrolled in the SHBP by altering who oversees their health plan offerings and administration. The bill does not change the actual benefits provided, only the decision-making bodies managing the program.