Asm. Chris Barranco

Maddy summary# Summary of the "Energy Infrastructure Public-Private Partnership Act" This bill creates a comprehensive framework for public-private partnerships (P3s) focused on energy-related projects in New Jersey. Key provisions include: 1. **Establishment of Programs**: - Creates an Energy Infrastructure Public-Private Partnership Program (Energy P3 Program) to formulate, coordinate, and approve P3 agreements for energy projects - Establishes an Energy Infrastructure Financing Program within the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank (NJIB) to provide loans and financial assistance 2. **Eligible Entities**: - Defines "P3 eligible entities" to include the State, counties, municipalities, boards of education, colleges, universities, utility authorities, and certain hospitals 3. **Key Provisions**: - Requires annual reports on energy-related P3 projects to the Governor and Legislature - Creates an Energy Loan Origination Fee Fund similar to existing fee funds for environmental and transportation projects - Requires segregation of NJIB funds to prevent mixing of transportation, water/environmental infrastructure, and energy-related monies - Allows contracts for up to 25 years for sale of electricity or thermal energy produced by combined heat and power facilities, cogeneration facilities, or other energy systems constructed under P3 agreements - Exempts energy-related project components from property taxation and special assessments for the useful life of the project 4. **Amendments**: - Amends the "New Jersey Infrastructure Trust Act" to expand NJIB's mission to include energy-related projects - Adds the President of the Board of Public Utilities as an ex-officio member to the NJIB board - Amends Public School Contracts Law and Local Public Contracts Law to permit longer contract terms for energy-related projects 5. **Financial Planning**: - Requires NJIB to submit a financial plan to the Legislature by May 15 each year - Allows the Legislature to reject the plan through a concurrent resolution by June 30, or the plan is deemed approved The bill aims to facilitate development of energy infrastructure through public-private partnerships while ensuring proper oversight, financial accountability, and tax exemptions for qualifying projects.

Maddy summaryThis bill would ban most abortions after 20 weeks following fertilization, with exceptions when the pregnancy threatens the woman's life, results from rape (requiring prior reporting to law enforcement), or results from rape or incest involving a minor (also requiring prior reporting). Physicians must determine the probable post-fertilization age before performing an abortion and document the specific exception being used. The bill requires specific informed consent forms, prohibits performing abortions in violation of these rules (which would be a third-degree crime), and mandates appropriate medical care if a child is born alive following an abortion under an exception.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new "EMS Part" within New Jersey's Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS), specifically for emergency medical services employees. It establishes enhanced retirement benefits including a pension equal to 50% of final compensation for employees with 20 or more years of service, plus additional benefits for those with 20-25 years of service. Eligible positions include emergency medical technicians, paramedics, emergency medical services supervisors, and other certified health professionals providing emergency medical services. The State will cover increased pension costs for counties and municipalities resulting from this new retirement system component.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits New Jersey from providing state aid to public colleges and universities that fail to address antisemitism. Specifically, it cuts funding if an institution authorizes antisemitic events, fails to enforce anti-harassment policies, or doesn't adequately punish perpetrators of antisemitism (including through expulsion or criminal referral). The bill defines "antisemitism" using the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's 2016 working definition. It directly affects all public institutions of higher education receiving state funding in New Jersey.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill extends the closing time of polling places from 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM for general and primary elections. It also extends early voting hours to 9:00 PM on weekdays and 7:00 PM on Sundays, and requires municipal clerk offices to remain open until 9:00 PM on election days. The bill additionally extends the hours minors aged 16-18 can work at polling places from 9:00 PM to 10:00 PM. These changes provide more flexibility for voters who may need to cast ballots later in the evening. The bill directly affects voters, election officials, and minor workers at polling locations.

Maddy summaryThis Assembly Resolution (AR 135) is a symbolic statement by the New Jersey Assembly opposing President Biden's 2021 decision to revoke the Presidential Permit for the Keystone XL pipeline. It does not create new laws or affect residents directly but formally urges President Biden to reverse his decision and requests Congress to override the revocation if needed. The resolution cites arguments about energy security, economic benefits (including potential job creation), and safety comparisons between pipeline and rail transport. It has no binding effect and serves only to express legislative opinion to federal officials.

Maddy summaryACR 133 creates a special legislative committee called the "New Jersey Public Employee Health Care Program Costs Investigation Committee" to examine issues related to state employee health care costs. The committee will investigate premium increases in state health programs, contract disputes with Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield, allegations of political pressure on Treasury staff regarding a $34 million contract, and the implementation of a 2019 law establishing health fund subaccounts. This procedural resolution does not enact new policy but authorizes the committee to hold hearings, issue subpoenas (with specific approvals), and issue findings and recommendations to the legislature. The committee expires upon completion of its investigation.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A4259) expands New Jersey's Regulatory Flexibility Act to better protect small businesses. It redefines "small business" as entities with under 100 full-time employees or $6 million in annual sales, requiring state agencies to actively minimize economic impacts when creating or renewing rules. Key provisions mandate agencies to simplify compliance requirements, use performance-based standards instead of rigid designs, and consider factors like rule complexity when reviewing rules for renewal. Small businesses can now file petitions within 90 days if they believe rules disproportionately harm them, with a new process for agency review and limited judicial oversight for meritorious claims.

Maddy summaryAJR 169 is a ceremonial resolution designating The Growing Stage Children's Theatre of New Jersey as New Jersey's official state children's theatre. It recognizes the theatre's 43-year history of providing performing arts education and productions to children and families across the state, including outreach to underserved communities. The resolution does not create new funding, regulations, or policy changes - it solely serves as a symbolic honorific designation. The theatre, based in Netcong, is acknowledged for its role in introducing children to theatre through over 100 productions and 1,500+ performances since 1994.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates "New Jersey’s For You and Me" by Kathleen Golden Murphy and Shannon Murphy Flannery as New Jersey’s official state song. It directly affects the state of New Jersey by establishing this specific song as the formal representative musical piece for the state, replacing the absence of an official state song. The key mechanism is a simple legislative designation, requiring no new funding or administrative changes. The song, composed to honor New Jersey’s symbols and traditions, will now be recognized in official state contexts.