Asm. Cleopatra Tucker

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill increases fines for retailers selling tobacco or vaping products to people under 21. Retailers face $750 for a first violation, $1,500 for a second, and $3,000 for third or subsequent violations. It also allows license suspension after a second violation and requires retailers to post warning signs at point-of-sale. Five percent of collected fines fund public education about vaping risks and illegal sales. The law directly affects stores selling tobacco or vaping products, aiming to reduce underage access through stricter penalties.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new Office of Clean Energy Equity within New Jersey's Board of Public Utilities to oversee clean energy programs specifically for overburdened communities. It mandates the establishment of onsite or community solar projects benefiting low-income households and requires the installation of energy storage systems in public facilities and low-income areas to improve grid resilience. The legislation also directs a minimum of 10 percent of the board's annual clean energy budget to this office, while requiring the integration of workforce training and community outreach into all related programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the "Safe and Sanitary Rental Housing Act" to strengthen landlord accountability and improve living conditions for tenants in New Jersey. It requires landlords to register with local authorities or the state housing department within 30 days, providing detailed contact information for maintenance staff and emergency responders. Additionally, the law prevents courts from evicting tenants unless the landlord has been properly registered for at least 90 days and mandates that rental subsidies be withheld until housing violations are fixed. These measures aim to ensure that rental properties meet minimum safety and sanitation standards while making it easier for tenants to reach responsible parties during emergencies.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands New Jersey's existing Senior Citizens and Disabled Residents Transportation Assistance Program to provide transportation services specifically for disabled veterans needing to attend medical appointments for service-connected conditions. It directs the Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs to work with counties to identify veterans' transportation needs and provides funding by redirecting 4% of casino revenue fund allocations (previously used for senior/disabled transport) to cover these new services. The program helps counties pay for expanded transit options, including door-to-door service or subsidized rides, for veterans certified with service-connected disabilities by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. This directly affects disabled veterans in New Jersey who require transportation to VA-approved medical appointments but are not covered by existing travel reimbursement programs.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill updates protections for military personnel who are victims of sexual assault, child abuse, or neglect. It allows service members (including National Guard and Reserve members) to file for protective orders in any New Jersey court, regardless of where the incident occurred. The bill also removes fees for applicants, clarifies procedures for minors and victims with disabilities, and specifies that military protective orders can be used to initiate state court applications. It directly affects military victims and streamlines access to legal protections without requiring criminal charges first.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a 10% price preference for businesses owned by women veterans or women actively serving in the U.S. military when bidding on New Jersey state contracts paid with public funds. Qualified businesses must be independently owned, have their main office in New Jersey, be at least 51% owned/controlled by eligible women, and have daily operations managed by them. If such a business meets all contract requirements and becomes the lowest bidder after applying the 10% preference, the state must award it the contract. The preference also continues if a woman owner dies and her spouse assumes ownership of the business.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires school bus drivers, aides, and other personnel transporting students with disabilities to complete specialized training. The training covers behavior management, communication, adaptive equipment use, recognizing life-threatening emergencies (as defined in the bill), and safety procedures. Employers (school districts or contractors) must provide this training annually and require staff to certify completion within five business days. The bill does not mandate 911 calls or specific bus safety features, but focuses on personnel preparedness through training and certification. It is pending before the Assembly Education Committee.

Maddy summaryThis bill revises New Jersey's window guard requirements for residential rental units and multiple dwellings. It expands the protected group to include children under 13 (previously 10) and persons with disabilities, requiring window guards on windows in units where these individuals reside or are regularly present. Key provisions mandate that window guards must prevent falls by limiting space between the guard and window to less than four inches, include sound features like chimes, and prohibit rigid metal stops as a safety method. Landlords must install and maintain compliant guards upon tenant request, with specific notice requirements for common interest communities (like condos) to their associations. The law updates technical specifications for installation and design to enhance safety for vulnerable occupants.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all New Jersey state agencies, counties, municipalities, school districts, and other local government entities to purchase at least 5% of their goods and services from the Central Nonprofit Agency (CNA), which supports rehabilitation facilities. It grants the CNA a "right of first refusal" for any goods/services typically bought through cooperative purchasing catalogs, provided they can match prices within 15% of fair market value. The bill also mandates that the Division of Purchase and Property create training protocols for all purchasing agents to ensure awareness of the CNA program, with annual reporting on compliance by all affected entities. These requirements apply to all state and local government bodies authorized to make purchases.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases the prohibited zone for alcohol sales around schools and religious institutions from 200 feet to 1,000 feet. It directly affects alcohol vendors seeking new licenses or renewals near public/private schools, licensed child care centers, family day care homes, or religious institutions. Key provisions include expanding the protected locations to include child care facilities and allowing existing licenses within 200 feet (for pre-1933 licenses) or between 200-1,000 feet (for pre-enactment licenses) to continue operating. The law takes immediate effect upon passage.