Asm. Erik Peterson

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey's brewery licensing law (R.S.33:1-10) to adjust fees for limited brewery licenses, which permit producers to brew up to 300,000 barrels (31 gallons each) of malt alcoholic beverages annually. It also clarifies requirements for restricted brewery licenses, including a 10,000-barrel production cap and ties to restaurant operations. The bill text does not address wine production, direct wine shipping, or wineries - as suggested by the title - but exclusively covers brewery license classifications and fees. Introduced on January 13, 2026, it remains pending in the Assembly Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey Transit (NJT) to provide direct rail service from the Raritan Valley Line (RVL) to Manhattan during off-peak hours at a level equal to or greater than the service offered during fiscal year 2018. It directly affects RVL commuters traveling to Manhattan during non-peak times, ensuring reliable, transfer-free access without reduced service. The key provision establishes 2018 as a baseline standard for service frequency, mandating NJT maintain or improve upon that level. The bill is currently pending in the Assembly Transportation Committee and has not yet been enacted.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a "reasonableness standard" for individuals lawfully transporting firearms under existing exemptions (such as police officers, security personnel, or others permitted to carry firearms for specific duties) when they deviate from their intended travel route. It requires that any deviation must be reasonable and necessary, such as for an emergency stop or legitimate purpose, rather than arbitrary. The standard applies to all current exemptions in New Jersey law and does not change who is permitted to carry firearms for their job. The bill clarifies when a detour during lawful firearm transport remains compliant with state law.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Governor, with the Commissioner of Education, to take actions protecting the state's educational resources from federal interference. Specifically, it mandates challenging federal policies limiting state authority over education, supporting efforts to challenge the Supreme Court's *Plyler v. Doe* decision (which guarantees public school access to undocumented children), and backing local initiatives preserving educational resources. The law directly affects New Jersey's public education system, state officials, and students, particularly those in immigrant communities. It establishes a state framework for opposing federal education policies but does not change existing school funding or curriculum rules. The bill takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows local governments in New Jersey to use a "layoff plan" instead of a full "employment reconciliation plan" when transitioning employees between municipalities under shared service agreements or joint meetings. It requires layoff plans to include minimum protections: terminal leave payments (one month per five years of service for terminated employees) and placement on a special reemployment list for future civil service jobs. The bill directly affects civil service employees in local governments entering shared service arrangements and the Civil Service Commission, which must review plans within 45 days. These changes streamline transitions while ensuring basic worker protections during service-sharing agreements.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires sellers of land or development easements for farmland preservation to disclose their original purchase price to the buyer before the sale. It directly affects individuals, corporations, or entities selling property to counties, county agriculture boards, or municipalities for farmland preservation. The key provision mandates that sellers provide this historical purchase price information to the purchasing entity prior to closing the transaction. The law takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the New Jersey State Police to submit a biannual report to the Legislature detailing the number of sex offenders who failed to register under Megan's Law. The report would provide the count of non-compliant individuals twice each year, starting from the bill's effective date. The bill does not change the existing registration requirements for sex offenders but adds a new reporting duty for law enforcement. This measure provides the Legislature with regular data on compliance with the state's sex offender registration law.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands New Jersey school district policies to allow graduating high school students who are active military members or have enlisted to wear a military sash or stole (issued by their service branch) during graduation ceremonies, in addition to the existing allowance for military dress uniforms. It directly affects students who have met all diploma requirements and are eligible to participate in graduation, specifically those affiliated with the U.S. Armed Forces. The key provision amends existing law to include sashes and stoles - worn over graduation robes - as permitted attire, while maintaining the requirement that students must be active members who completed basic training. The bill does not change eligibility requirements but broadens the types of military-issued items students may display.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A-2957) upgrades the legal classification of certain assaults against school personnel from "simple assault" to "aggravated assault" when the attack occurs while they are clearly performing their duties (e.g., in uniform or identifiable as staff). It specifically targets incidents involving school board members, administrators, teachers, school bus drivers, or other school employees acting in their official roles. The change increases penalties for these assaults by elevating the charge under New Jersey's assault statute (N.J.S.2C:12-1). This directly affects school staff members who are assaulted during work hours in identifiable professional roles.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 2966) applies New Jersey’s existing ethics and conflict-of-interest rules for casino regulators to officials overseeing the state’s legalized marijuana industry. It prohibits state employees or appointees regulating marijuana from having prior business ties (like ownership or employment) with licensed marijuana businesses within three years before their appointment, and requires annual financial disclosures for officials. The law also mandates a four-year waiting period before former regulators can work for marijuana businesses and bans them from acting on matters where they or their immediate family have financial interests. These provisions directly affect state employees in marijuana regulatory roles and applicants for those positions.