Asm. Alixon Collazos-Gill

Maddy summaryThis bill requires large distribution facilities (100,000+ square feet) or those in overburdened communities (50,000+ square feet) that generate 50+ truck trips daily to obtain a permit from New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and annually implement air pollution reduction measures. The permit program mandates facilities to earn points through specific actions like purchasing electric trucks, installing solar power, or using cleaner equipment to achieve zero emissions by 2050. Facilities must pay annual permit fees and face penalties of $10,000-$20,000 per violation for non-compliance, while the DEP will monitor compliance through truck counting, emissions monitoring, and facility inspections.

Maddy summaryThis bill imposes civil penalties on New Jersey employers who threaten or disclose an employee's immigration status to prevent them from reporting violations of state labor, wage, or tax laws. Employers face escalating fines: up to $1,000 for a first violation, $5,000 for a second, and $10,000 for subsequent violations, with each affected employee counted as a separate violation. It directly affects employers who use immigration status as coercion - such as threatening to report an undocumented worker to hide unpaid wages or benefits - to avoid accountability under laws like the State Wage and Hour Law or Gross Income Tax Act. The penalties apply in addition to any existing penalties for the underlying labor violation.

Maddy summaryS 3384 appropriates funds to New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to provide zero-interest loans and principal forgiveness for environmental infrastructure projects. The bill authorizes the DEP to make loans to local governments and public water utilities for clean water and drinking water projects, with specific funding limits including $20 million for combined sewer overflow projects and $10 million for water quality restoration. Funds will come from state revolving funds, federal grants from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, and unexpended balances from previous programs, with projects requiring repayment within 30-45 years. The bill's funding authorization expires on July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A4081) imposes civil penalties on employers who threaten or disclose an employee's immigration status to prevent them from reporting violations of state labor laws. It directly affects employers and immigrant workers, particularly in cases where employers withhold wages, benefits, or comply with tax laws and then pressure workers about their immigration status. The bill adds tiered penalties: $1,000 for a first violation, $5,000 for a second, and $10,000 for subsequent violations per affected employee. These penalties apply in addition to existing penalties under laws like the New Jersey State Wage and Hour Law, targeting employers who misuse immigration status to conceal other violations.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey Assembly Bill A4665 requires the state’s Secretary of Higher Education and public colleges/universities to create programs improving Hispanic and Latino representation in leadership roles. Key provisions include establishing leadership development for Hispanic/Latino faculty, building pipelines from undergraduate students to academic careers, and providing institutions with guidance to address barriers in recruitment and retention. Public institutions must adopt diversity-focused policies for leadership search committees and implement specific recruitment programs within 180 days. Each institution must also submit annual reports detailing leadership demographics and program effectiveness to the Secretary, who will compile statewide data for the Governor and Legislature. The bill directly affects all 16 public higher education institutions in New Jersey and Hispanic/Latino faculty/staff seeking leadership opportunities.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires private bus companies operating regular scheduled routes (excluding charter, casino, or tourism-focused services) to notify the public and government agencies before making major service cuts. Specifically, operators must provide 4 months' written notice to state agencies (NJ Motor Vehicle Commission and NJ Transit) and 3 months' notice to riders before reducing service. They must also hold a public meeting in the affected area within 15 days of notifying riders, with prior notice to local officials. Violations could result in civil penalties up to $10,000 per instance.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey Assembly Resolution (AR 147) condemns the U.S. Supreme Court's 2024 ruling in *Garland v. Cargill*, which determined that bump stocks do not qualify as machine guns under federal law. It reaffirms New Jersey’s existing ban on bump stocks, established by P.L.2017, c.323, which prohibits their sale and possession as dangerous devices. The resolution states the Court’s decision undermines federal gun safety regulations and contradicts New Jersey’s commitment to public safety, citing the 2017 Las Vegas shooting where bump stocks were reportedly used. As a non-binding resolution, it does not change laws but expresses the state’s position to lawmakers.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates funds to New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to provide zero-interest loans or principal forgiveness for clean water and drinking water infrastructure projects. It authorizes funding for 156 specific clean water projects and 72 drinking water projects across the state, totaling approximately $2.6 billion in estimated loan amounts. The funding is intended to help municipalities and public water utilities finance infrastructure improvements that reduce pollution, improve water quality, and address environmental challenges. The bill includes specific provisions for varying levels of principal forgiveness based on project type and community need, with a focus on making these projects more affordable for local governments.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires veterinarians to provide clear, written disclosures to pet owners before rabies testing on dead domestic companion animals. It mandates specific information about testing reasons, protocols for handling and disposing of the animal's body (including head removal), and prohibits misrepresentation using euphemisms. Veterinarians must also distribute a pamphlet and display a poster about rabies testing protocols to pet owners at the time of rabies vaccination. Additionally, the bill establishes an optional, trauma-informed mental health training program for veterinarians, developed in consultation with state health agencies. These provisions directly affect veterinarians, pet owners, and the Departments of Health and Consumer Affairs.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health care providers and insurance companies to obtain written consent before sharing a patient's medical information about reproductive health care services (including pregnancy, contraception, or abortion care). Patients must be informed of their right to withhold consent before receiving services or when disclosing previous reproductive health information. Exceptions allowing disclosure without consent include medical emergencies, legal requirements, court orders, and investigations into abuse or complaints. Violations could result in $1,000 per violation in damages plus legal fees, while explicitly maintaining existing federal HIPAA protections.