Asm. Erik Peterson

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey to reimburse volunteer emergency service organizations (like fire departments and ambulance squads) for costs incurred when responding to false alarms at State psychiatric hospitals, developmental centers, or correctional facilities. It mandates that the Department of Health reimburse organizations for equipment/vehicle expenses related to false alarms at psychiatric facilities, while the Department of Corrections handles reimbursement for correctional facility false alarms. The bill specifies that reimbursement applies only to false alarms (defined as unnecessary emergency responses not caused by uncontrollable natural events) and does not affect volunteers' status. It also appropriates annual General Fund money to both departments to cover these reimbursements.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A3204) requires public school districts to post detailed curriculum plans online at least 30 days before each school year begins. It mandates that districts include all units of study, learning objectives, and information about textbooks/materials used for each grade level on their website, with updates whenever plans change. School districts must also specify when and where parents/legal guardians can review these materials before they are used in classrooms. The law directly affects school districts (requiring website updates) and parents/guardians (granting review access), taking effect for the first full school year after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits schools and school buses in New Jersey from requiring students to wear face masks. It directly affects all students attending public or nonpublic elementary and secondary schools, covering both indoor and outdoor areas of school buildings and school buses. The law explicitly bans mandatory mask-wearing but allows students to choose to wear masks voluntarily. The policy change takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires builders of new homes in New Jersey to provide owners (or their agents) with one free copy of the building plans - sealed by a licensed engineer/architect or accompanied by a sworn affidavit - no later than 15 days before construction begins. It directly affects new home buyers and builders, ensuring transparency about the home's design. Builders who fail to comply face penalties under existing law, including potential license suspension, and must reimburse owners for enforcement costs. The bill also prohibits changes to the plans without a written agreement signed by both parties, and limits builders to charging only actual copying costs for amended plans requested after delivery.

Maddy summaryThis Assembly Resolution (AR 51) formally adopts four articles of impeachment against Robert Asaro-Angelo, the Commissioner of New Jersey's Department of Labor and Workforce Development (DOLWD). It cites his failure to address the state's unemployment crisis, including delaying the reopening of in-person service centers (One-Stop Career Centers), backlog of unpaid claims, and lack of timely communication. The resolution, passed by the Assembly, impeaches Asaro-Angelo and directs the Speaker to submit the articles to the New Jersey Senate for consideration. It does not create new laws but initiates the constitutional impeachment process against the commissioner.

Maddy summaryAJR 55 designates March 16 each year as "Paws Healing Heroes Day" in New Jersey to recognize service dogs that assist veterans with conditions like PTSD, traumatic brain injury, military sexual trauma, and seizure disorders. The resolution directly affects veterans, service dog organizations (such as Paws Healing Heroes in Glassboro), and the public by raising awareness of these animals' role in veteran support. Its key mechanism is an annual designation requiring the Governor to issue a proclamation encouraging public observance. This is a ceremonial resolution, not a law with funding or regulatory changes, and it takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill permits the use of LED lights in emergency warning systems on vehicles in New Jersey. It directly affects emergency vehicles (like police cars and ambulances) by expanding the approved light types beyond current options (strobe, halogen, incandescent) to include LED. The bill requires the Motor Vehicle Commission to update regulations to explicitly allow low-profile LED light bars, alongside existing types, while maintaining the existing rule of no more than two lights per vehicle. This changes the technical specifications for emergency lighting without altering vehicle usage rules.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A2530) allows New Jersey attorneys licensed to practice law to optionally affix their official seal when validating legal documents like affidavits, acknowledgments, oaths, or affirmations. It specifies that such validations by attorneys would have the same legal effect as those performed by notaries public under New Jersey law. The change applies only to documents validated per Chapter 14 of Title 46 of the Revised Statutes or R.S. 41:2-1, and attorneys are not required to use the seal.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all public meetings of New Jersey's State Board of Education to be accessible both in person and virtually. It mandates that a live virtual link be posted on the Board's website for all meetings, including public comment sessions, and allows attendees to participate remotely via video call. The policy directly affects the public - including parents, educators, and community members - who wish to attend or comment on Board meetings. The bill takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill would permit Sunday hunting for deer using firearms or bows on state wildlife management areas, private property, federal military lands (with installation approval), and the William J. Hughes Technical Center (with facility approval). Currently, Sunday hunting for deer is prohibited on these lands under New Jersey law. Hunters must still hold a valid firearm, bow, or "All Around Sportsman" license and follow all state hunting regulations. The bill does not change hunting seasons or other existing rules but explicitly allows Sunday hunting in specified locations.