Asm. Erik Peterson

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all public and private schools in New Jersey counties with high Lyme disease incidence to adopt a tick remediation policy by 18 months after the law takes effect. It mandates schools to implement pesticide-free, cost-effective solutions tailored to their county's specific environmental factors (like vegetation and deer populations), developed by the Environmental Protection Commissioner within 12 months. Schools must designate an integrated pest management coordinator to oversee implementation, maintain records, and educate staff about high-risk tick areas. The policy prioritizes non-chemical methods first, with low-impact pesticides permitted only if initial measures prove insufficient.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires websites and online platforms to verify the age of users attempting to access content containing a "substantial portion" of material harmful to minors (defined as content with over one-third harmful material, such as explicit sexual content or lacking artistic value for minors). It applies to entities like social media platforms and websites, prohibiting minors under 18 from accessing such content unless the platform verifies their age and confirms the content is suitable for them. Platforms must use reasonable age verification methods (e.g., digital ID checks) and follow division-established standards for content suitability. The bill is pending before the New Jersey Assembly Science, Innovation and Technology Committee after being introduced on April 4, 2024.

Maddy summaryThis bill revises New Jersey's agricultural trespass law by removing the requirement that trespassers must knowingly or recklessly enter farm lands. It now prohibits any entry (on foot, vehicle, or equipment) without written permission and expands protected property to include fences, equipment, crops, and trees. The bill adds new land types to coverage, such as adjacent wooded areas used with farms (for Christmas trees) and land for storing agricultural equipment. Civil penalties increase to $1,000 (plus attorney fees) for violations involving vehicles/equipment, versus $100 for basic trespass.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new formula for distributing state school aid to New Jersey's public school districts. It calculates each district's aid by dividing the total projected state income tax revenue by the total projected student enrollment across all districts, then multiplying that per-pupil amount by the district's own projected enrollment. This method ensures state funding is distributed proportionally based on student population, directly affecting all public school districts in the state. The bill replaces previous funding mechanisms and takes effect immediately for the upcoming school year.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows registered educational organizations (like schools or parent-teacher associations) to host bingo games exclusively for their affiliated students, including those under 18. It requires written parental consent for minors and limits total prize value to $100 per event. The bill modifies New Jersey’s existing bingo law to permit this exception, while requiring organizations to follow all other bingo licensing rules. It specifically enables these groups to fundraise by charging parents for student participation in such events.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a one-year pilot program to help New Jersey fire departments test new technology for fighting electric vehicle (EV) fires. County fire marshals or code enforcers can apply for $5,000 grants to purchase and test emerging firefighting tools, with up to $115,000 total funding drawn from the Universal Service Fund. Grantees must submit a report after one year detailing the technology used, its effectiveness, and whether additional equipment would be beneficial. The program is temporary and requires participating departments to evaluate new methods for suppressing high-voltage battery fires, addressing known challenges reported by fire safety experts.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires NJ Transit (NJT) to provide direct rail service to Manhattan on the Raritan Valley Line (RVL) at a level equal to or greater than the service offered during fiscal year 2018. It directly affects NJT and commuters who rely on the RVL for direct trips to Manhattan, particularly during off-peak hours. The key provision mandates NJT to maintain or increase this specific service level, comparing it to historical 2018 data. The bill takes immediate effect without requiring new funding or infrastructure changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits people convicted of sex offenses against minors (defined as "excluded sex offenders" under existing law) from giving candy or other items to children under 18 during Halloween or Halloween-themed events. It amends New Jersey law to make this distribution a fourth-degree crime, punishable by up to 18 months in prison, a $10,000 fine, or both. The law directly affects individuals with specific sex offense convictions who are prohibited from certain youth-related activities under current statutes. It targets a specific behavior during a high-risk event (Halloween) to enhance child safety, without altering other provisions of the existing sex offender registration and supervision framework.

Maddy summaryThis Assembly Resolution (AR 77) is a symbolic statement of support for Ukraine and its citizens amid Russia's ongoing conflict. It condemns Russia's 2014 annexation of Crimea, 2022 invasion, and violations of international law, while expressing solidarity with Ukraine's sovereignty and democratic aspirations. The resolution requires sending copies to Ukraine's U.S. and U.N. ambassadors but does not create new laws or affect any specific group. It is a non-binding declaration reflecting New Jersey's position, not a policy change.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey Assembly Bill A2575 allows municipalities to reserve affordable housing units specifically for low- and moderate-income veterans, granting each reserved unit one credit toward the municipality's fair share housing obligation. The bill requires housing administrators to prioritize applications from veteran households (including those who served in wartime or emergencies) for up to 50% of affordable units during the first 90 days of a project's marketing period. It defines "dwelling unit" to include veterans' housing in alternative living arrangements like Veterans Haven facilities, transitional shelters, and group homes. This policy directly affects veterans seeking affordable housing and municipalities managing housing credit obligations under state law.