Asm. Beth Sawyer

Maddy summaryThis bill allows Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) certified in other U.S. states, territories, or Puerto Rico to work in New Jersey without retaking certification exams, provided their home state's standards meet or exceed New Jersey's. It requires all applicants to undergo a criminal history background check through state and federal databases, with disqualification for convictions involving violence, arson, drug offenses, or other specified crimes. Existing EMTs must also complete this background check during their next recertification. The law mandates biennial background checks for all certified EMTs as part of renewal.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands the allowable uses of civil asset forfeiture funds (money from property seized in criminal cases) by New Jersey law enforcement agencies. It specifically adds community outreach, diversity training for officers, and minority recruitment programs to the list of permitted "law enforcement purposes." The bill codifies these additions to the existing definition, which already included crime prevention education, equipment purchases, and federal grant matching. These funds remain restricted to the law enforcement agency that contributed to the case that generated the forfeiture, and cannot be used for general budgetary purposes.

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies that farms selling firewood from sources other than their own property (e.g., farmstands or agricultural operations) are not classified as "lumber yards" under local regulations. It prohibits selling untreated firewood obtained from outside New Jersey at these farm locations unless the wood is heat-treated and certified pest-free by its state of origin. The law directly affects farmers, farmstands, and agricultural businesses that sell firewood, as well as consumers purchasing such wood. Key provisions require certification for out-of-state firewood to prevent the spread of pests, while exempting wood sourced from the seller’s own land. The bill took effect immediately upon approval.