Asm. Brian Bergen

Maddy summaryACR 107 is a non-binding resolution urging the New Jersey Department of Education to pause the development and implementation of new Student Learning Standards for two years. It directly affects the Department of Education and State Board of Education by requesting a temporary halt to creating new standards, while pending legislative bills about curriculum and learning loss are reviewed. The resolution cites parent concerns about current standards, pandemic-related learning loss, and declining U.S. education rankings as reasons for the pause. It does not change existing standards but asks for a two-year moratorium to allow the Legislature to address related issues.

Maddy summaryThis resolution urges New Jersey's state and federal agencies to pause sonar testing and wind turbine mapping near offshore wind projects. It cites NOAA data showing 12 whale deaths (including 8 humpbacks) and 5 dolphin deaths in February 2023 off New Jersey's coast - deaths occurring near active wind development sites. The resolution requests an immediate moratorium to allow scientific study of whether these activities interfere with marine mammals' navigation and communication. It specifically targets the Department of Environmental Protection and the federal Bureau of Ocean Energy Management. The resolution does not create new law but calls for a pause while investigations continue.

Maddy summaryThis bill, if passed, would establish safety standards for bleachers (tiered seating without backrests) in public venues across New Jersey. It requires three types of entities - governmental bodies (like cities or schools), private organizations (such as sports venues), and nonprofits - to upgrade their bleachers to meet these standards within 1-2 years of implementation, or face being banned from use. Entities failing to comply must display prominent warning notices stating the bleachers are not certified safe. The bill mandates inspections and certification by the Commissioner of Community Affairs, referencing existing safety guidelines from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. The bill is currently pending in the Assembly and has not yet become law.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Veterans Suicide Prevention Commission under New Jersey's "Veterans Suicide Prevention Commission Act" to coordinate state efforts in preventing veteran suicides. The commission, composed of 12 members including veterans, mental health experts, military representatives, and family members, will review state agency programs, improve coordination between departments, and track progress on suicide prevention initiatives. It directly affects New Jersey veterans, service members, and their families by aiming to strengthen existing support systems through better collaboration. The commission will focus on aligning services for veterans' transition to civilian life, mental health care, and community resources without creating new programs. The bill requires the commission to hold at least six meetings annually and report on its activities to improve suicide prevention outcomes.

Maddy summaryThis bill exempts honorably discharged veterans who own passenger vehicles (not for hire) from New Jersey's motor vehicle registration fees. It directly affects eligible veterans residing in New Jersey, requiring them to provide proof of honorable discharge to qualify. The Motor Vehicle Commission Chief Administrator and the Adjutant General will establish application procedures and documentation requirements, while the Adjutant General must notify eligible veterans about the exemption. The exemption becomes effective six months after enactment, with administrative actions permitted in advance for implementation.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires developers of new affordable housing projects (10+ units or 4+ stories) to meet LEED Silver or equivalent green building standards. It also mandates that these developers submit four impact studies to local municipalities before construction: traffic, school, storm water, and carbon (if clearing over one acre of land). The requirements apply to "inclusionary developments" as defined under existing law and do not affect projects with applications submitted before the bill's effective date. The bill directs the Commissioner of Community Affairs to adopt implementing rules within eight months of enactment.

Maddy summaryAJR 106 designates September 22nd each year as "Veterans Suicide Awareness & Remembrance Day" in New Jersey. The resolution aims to raise public awareness about the high suicide rates among veterans and active military members - citing over 65,000 veteran and active-duty suicides since 2010 - and reduce stigma around mental health treatment. It requests the Governor issue an annual proclamation encouraging public observance through activities that honor those who died by suicide and support affected families. This ceremonial resolution does not create new programs or funding but seeks to foster community recognition of a critical public health issue affecting military service members.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires electric utilities in New Jersey to charge residential electricity rates for service used by residential customers at electric vehicle (EV) charging stations located in designated parking spaces reserved for their exclusive use. It directly affects residential utility customers living in homes or planned developments (like condos or HOAs) who use EV chargers in their own designated parking spots. The key provision prevents utilities from charging higher commercial rates for this specific EV charging service, ensuring residential billing applies. It does not affect the ability of property developments to set their own prices for electricity sold through their EV charging equipment.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows members of New Jersey's Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) who participated in 9/11 World Trade Center rescue, recovery, or cleanup operations to qualify for accidental disability retirement benefits. It presumes that disabilities resulting from these operations - such as respiratory illnesses, PTSD, or skin conditions - are work-related, eliminating the need to prove direct connection to duties. To qualify, members must have worked at least eight hours at the site between September 11-12, 2001, or have a documented injury preventing them from completing eight hours. The change applies specifically to disabilities linked to 9/11 exposure, streamlining eligibility for affected first responders and workers.

Maddy summaryAJR 16 designates March 16 as "Paws Healing Heroes Day" in New Jersey to recognize service dogs' role in assisting veterans with conditions like PTSD, traumatic brain injury (TBI), military sexual trauma, and seizure disorders. The resolution requests the Governor issue an annual proclamation to promote public awareness, highlighting that service dog training costs $3,000-$5,000 (not covered by veterans' benefits) and relies on nonprofit organizations like Paws Healing Heroes. This ceremonial resolution does not create new funding or legal requirements but aims to honor the support service dogs provide to veterans.