Rep. Dave Bailey

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Education (DOE) to create a statewide policy for student cell phone and social media use during school hours, on school buses, or at school events. The policy must include age-appropriate rules (like banning non-academic use during class), allow emergency phone access, accommodate students with disabilities, and cover devices like smartwatches. School districts must adopt a local policy consistent with this DOE policy by the start of the next full school year, though districts may apply for an exemption. The policy also outlines storage options (e.g., lockers) and network restrictions for social media access.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the list of environmental infrastructure projects approved for long-term funding under New Jersey's FY2026 environmental infrastructure program. It directly affects which projects receive state funding through the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), updating the approved project list for the program. The change is procedural, modifying the specific projects included in the funding list without altering the program's funding mechanisms or eligibility criteria. This update ensures the DEP's FY2026 funding allocations align with current project approvals.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $500,000 from constitutionally dedicated business tax funds to the State Agriculture Development Committee for farmland preservation. The funds will directly support Oldmans Township in Salem County through a municipal planning incentive grant to help preserve farmland. The grant is intended to assist the township in developing local plans that protect agricultural land. The funding comes from existing constitutionally protected revenues designated for open space and farmland preservation under New Jersey law.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $34 million from constitutionally dedicated corporation business tax (CBT) revenues to fund farmland preservation. It provides counties with base grants ($500,000-$1 million) and eligibility for competitive grants (up to $7.5 million per county) to cover up to 80% of costs for acquiring development easements - conservation agreements that permanently protect farmland from development. The funds target specific counties and municipalities approved for farmland preservation projects under existing state law. The bill redirects existing constitutionally dedicated CBT revenues (approved by voters in 2014) to the Preserve New Jersey Farmland Preservation Fund, with no new tax revenue required.

Maddy summarySJR 100 designates every July as "Cleft and Craniofacial Awareness and Prevention Month" in New Jersey to raise public awareness about cleft lip and palate birth defects. The resolution requests the Governor to issue an annual proclamation encouraging community organizations, medical institutions, and advocacy groups to collaborate on educational programs and research about these conditions. This symbolic measure does not create new laws or funding but aims to foster understanding and support for individuals and families affected by cleft lip and palate.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey to create an automated online platform (the "State Smart Solar Permitting Platform") to speed up approval of residential solar energy system installations. It directly affects homeowners, solar installers, and local governments by replacing slow manual permitting with instant digital reviews. The platform must automatically check code compliance, issue permits within minutes, allow 24/7 applications, and support electronic signatures - handling 75% of standard residential systems. Local agencies must adopt the platform or an equivalent alternative within 18 months, with penalties for non-compliance to fund low-income energy assistance.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A5959) requires the Governor's annual budget message to include a detailed report on revenues and expenditures from New Jersey's "societal benefits charge" - a fee embedded in electricity and gas bills. The report must show, for each of the five most recent and current fiscal years, how much money was collected and how it was allocated to specific programs: energy efficiency initiatives, the Universal Services Fund (which supports low-income energy assistance), and plug-in electric vehicle incentives. It mandates itemized spending data for each program category, including amounts committed and actually spent. This change aims to increase transparency about how utility bill fees fund public programs, directly affecting the Governor's reporting obligations and providing clearer public information.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey Transit's North and South Jersey Passenger Advisory Committees to hold four public meetings each year. Each committee must provide public notice of meeting times and locations at least seven days in advance and post this information on NJ Transit's website. These committees, composed of transit riders and appointed members, advise NJ Transit on service issues like fare changes and route adjustments. The bill does not alter committee membership or duties but adds mandatory public engagement requirements. (3 sentences)

Maddy summaryThis bill increases penalties for retailers who sell tobacco or vapor products to people under 21. First violations now carry $500 fines (up from $250), second violations $1,000 (up from $500), and third or subsequent violations $2,000 (up from $1,000). Small businesses with clear compliance policies pay only $100 for the first violation. Five percent of collected fines will fund public education on vapor product dangers and illegal sales. Retailers must also post new signs at points of sale and vending machines warning that selling to minors is prohibited.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $500,000 from constitutionally dedicated corporation business tax (CBT) revenues to the State Agriculture Development Committee for farmland preservation grants. The funds will directly support Oldmans Township in Salem County through a $500,000 base grant for municipal planning, as specified in the bill. The township is also eligible to compete for an additional up to $1 million in competitive grants from existing funds, totaling potential funding of $1.5 million. These grants are designed to incentivize local planning efforts that preserve agricultural land, using revenue dedicated to open space and farmland preservation under New Jersey's constitution.