Asm. Shanique Speight

Maddy summaryThis bill allows the Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development to temporarily appoint up to three additional members to the Board of Review, which handles unemployment benefit appeals. Appointments can be made through interim roles for State employees (who keep their primary jobs) or intermittent roles for non-State employees. If three additional members are appointed, the Board's membership increases to six, requiring the commissioner to form two independent panels from these six members to process appeals, with flexibility to reassign members as needed for operational efficiency. This change aims to improve the Board's capacity to manage appeal volumes without altering the Board's core responsibilities.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 2188, now P.L.2024, c.66) requires large public water systems (serving over 100 connections and using surface or groundwater) and certain buildings to prevent Legionnaires' disease outbreaks. It mandates maintaining minimum disinfectant levels (0.3 mg/L chlorine or 1.0 mg/L chloramine) and creating annual maintenance plans to reduce Legionella bacteria risks. Water systems must report disruptions to the state within 72 hours and implement flushing, testing, and infrastructure upgrades. The state will create a public dashboard showing disruption reports and adopt rules for compliance, with penalties for violations like failing to meet disinfectant standards. The law directly affects water system operators and building owners, aiming to improve water safety through specific, measurable requirements.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey Senate Bill S 2607 requires private bus companies operating regular routes to give advance notice and hold public meetings before making significant service cuts. Specifically, operators must provide 4 months' written notice to the state Motor Vehicle Commission and NJ Transit, 3 months' notice to riders, and host a public meeting near the busiest stop within 15 days of notifying riders. The bill also mandates that companies notify local officials, including mayors and county commissioners, before holding these meetings. Private operators who fail to comply face civil penalties of up to $10,000 per violation. This bill directly affects private bus operators and their riders in New Jersey communities experiencing service changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill revises New Jersey's Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Training Fund reimbursement rules. It allows private agencies training volunteer EMTs (including for EMT-A, EMT-D, and epinephrine auto-injector certification) to be reimbursed directly, prioritizing EMT-A certification first. Volunteer EMTs must work at least one service call monthly for three years to maintain "good standing," or their ambulance squad may have to repay the fund if they stop volunteering. The bill clarifies that reimbursement eligibility doesn't depend on whether the volunteer's squad receives payment for services.

Maddy summaryThis bill regulates the production and sale of "intoxicating hemp products" by setting specific THC concentration limits and requiring licensing. It defines intoxicating hemp products as those containing more than 0.5 milligrams of total THC per serving or 2.5 milligrams per package, which exceeds the 0.3% THC limit allowed for standard hemp products. Businesses selling these products must be licensed by the Cannabis Regulatory Commission, comply with product testing requirements, and cannot sell to anyone under 21 years old. Violations carry escalating fines: $100 for a first offense, $1,000 for a second, and $10,000 for third and subsequent offenses. The bill directly affects businesses selling hemp-derived products with higher THC levels that could cause intoxication.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the State of New Jersey to sell 10.01 acres of land and improvements at 5 Jean Street in Morris Township (known as the Morris Regional Day School) to the Morris County Educational Services Commission for $1. The property, deemed surplus by the state, will be transferred "as is" without state responsibility for repairs or upgrades, unless otherwise agreed in writing. The Attorney General must complete the sale within 90 days of the bill's effective date, and the transaction does not require additional approvals from state agencies or the legislature.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey's lead-based paint hazard inspection requirements for residential rental properties. It mandates that municipalities inspect rental units and common areas at tenant turnover or every three years (whichever is earlier), with properties having valid lead-safe certifications (now valid for three years instead of two) exempt from frequent inspections. Landlords must provide lead-safe certification to new tenants and maintain records, while municipalities must report lead hazard findings to the Department of Community Affairs, which will provide annual reports to the legislature. The bill also repeals a provision requiring the Department of Community Affairs to inspect properties as part of the Hotel and Multiple Dwelling Law.

Maddy summaryThis bill revises New Jersey's law prohibiting feeding black bears by replacing the previous "unintentional feeding" exemption with specific, allowed activities. It permits certain actions without penalty, including agricultural operations (with food stored properly), bird feeders maintained under strict conditions (e.g., 10-foot height, nightly emptying), animal shelters feeding pets (with uneaten food removed nightly), and government wildlife management. The law also changes where civil penalties for violations go, directing collected fines to the local municipality instead of the Division of Fish and Wildlife. It directly affects residents, farmers, and pet owners in bear-prone areas by clarifying permitted feeding practices.

Maddy summaryThis Assembly Resolution (AR 150) formally recognizes Hinchliffe Stadium in Paterson, New Jersey, as one of only two surviving Negro League stadiums in the U.S. and highlights its historical significance as a landmark honoring African American athletes. It specifically acknowledges the annual football rivalry game between Montclair State University and William Paterson University held at the stadium, calling it a cultural event that preserves the site's legacy. The resolution has no legal effect but serves to publicly affirm the stadium's importance through formal recognition. It directs copies to university leaders, the Governor, relevant legislators, and the New Jersey Historical Society. The resolution does not alter any laws or funding but aims to promote awareness of the stadium's role in sports history.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits real estate appraisers in New Jersey from considering protected characteristics - including race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, or national origin - when valuing properties. It directly affects licensed and certified real estate appraisers by banning these discriminatory factors from appraisal analysis. The key mechanism requires appraisers to complete a mandatory fair housing and appraisal bias training course (approved by the Appraisal Qualifications Board) as part of their continuing education for license renewal. The law codifies existing anti-discrimination protections and aligns with national standards for appraisal practice.