Asm. Heather Simmons

Maddy summarySenate Bill S 2788 appropriates $128.241 million from constitutionally dedicated corporation business tax (CBT) revenues to the State Agriculture Development Committee (SADC) for farmland preservation. The funds will pay for permanent land protections on farmland through development easements or fee simple purchases, with grants available to counties (covering up to 80% of costs), municipalities, and qualifying nonprofits (covering up to 50% of costs). Additional funds cover administrative expenses, including staff salaries, appraisals, survey costs, and legal enforcement of preservation agreements. This bill implements existing farmland preservation programs under the Preserve New Jersey Act and related legislation.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey law to excuse residents aged 70 or older from jury duty, lowering the current age threshold from 75 to 70. It means anyone 70 or older summoned for jury service will automatically qualify for an excuse without needing to prove hardship based on age. Other existing grounds for excusal - such as medical conditions, financial hardship, or volunteer emergency service - remain unchanged. The amendment applies statewide and takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Economic Development Authority (EDA) to add social media development services to its existing Small Business E-commerce Support Program. The program currently offers digital marketing and e-commerce consulting to eligible small businesses (like restaurants, retail stores, and personal care businesses in commercial locations). The bill mandates that EDA include social media platform development assistance alongside current services such as website creation and digital marketing planning. This change applies only to the current pilot program under the Main Street Recovery Finance Program, not future initiatives. The policy directly affects small businesses seeking digital support through this state-funded program.

Maddy summaryThis bill dedicates a portion of wine sales tax revenue to the "Jersey Fresh Program Fund." Specifically, it requires the State Treasurer to deposit $0.21875 per gallon from wine, vermouth, and sparkling wine sales by licensed wineries into the fund, equaling 25% of that tax. The money will fund the Jersey Fresh branding program, which promotes locally grown New Jersey agricultural products like fruits, vegetables, seafood, and processed foods through advertising and marketing. This expands the fund's current sources, which previously relied on voluntary contributions via income tax returns.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a Red Tape Review Task Force within New Jersey's Department of the Treasury to review state regulations and identify unnecessarily burdensome requirements affecting businesses, non-profits, and other private entities. The task force, composed of nine state officials and legislators (including agency heads and legislative leaders), will work to streamline government interactions with these groups and promote economic growth. It must submit a written report with recommendations to the Governor and Legislature within three years of the bill's effective date, after which the task force will expire. The report will be advisory only and cannot be used for legal challenges against state agencies.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires members of New Jersey's Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to meet specific experience and training standards. At least two members must have three years of professional experience in energy policy, infrastructure, or utility regulation, while at least one must have three years in consumer advocacy or ratepayer representation. All members must complete 12 hours of annual training on topics like energy market trends, grid modernization, and renewable energy policies from accredited sources. The bill also mandates that appointments consider geographic diversity across urban, suburban, and rural areas.

Maddy summaryThe "New Jersey Loves New Jersey Farmers Act" provides tax credits to commercial farm operators who experience price loss on New Jersey-grown farm products. The tax credits equal the difference between actual receipts farmers received for their products and "baseline receipts" calculated using monthly reference prices set by the Secretary of Agriculture. To qualify, farmers must obtain certification of their price loss from the Secretary of Agriculture based on business records showing actual sales versus the calculated baseline. The credits can be applied against corporation business tax or gross income tax, and farmers may also transfer unused credits to other taxpayers for use over several tax periods.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A5440) requires New Jersey state agencies like the Department of Community Affairs, Department of Human Services, and the Board of Public Utilities to review and potentially raise income limits for residential customers to qualify for utility bill payment assistance and energy efficiency programs. It mandates that these agencies increase the income thresholds within one year of the bill's effective date. Agencies may seek public input or collaborate with other departments to determine appropriate increases. The change would directly help low-to-moderate income households by expanding eligibility for programs that reduce energy costs. The bill expires once the required income threshold increases are finalized.

Maddy summaryThis resolution permanently designates the last week in February as "Eating Disorders Awareness Week" in New Jersey. It requests the Governor to issue an annual proclamation for the week and encourages public officials and citizens to observe it with awareness activities. The resolution also directs that copies be sent to the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) to support their work. The goal is to raise public awareness about eating disorders and encourage affected individuals and families to seek treatment.

Maddy summaryBill A3598, designated as Claudia's Law, requires healthcare providers to include specific information in patient chest x-ray reports when an abnormality is detected. It mandates that the notification state: "Your chest x-ray shows an abnormality that may be associated with a risk factor for various illnesses" and advises patients to discuss results with their healthcare provider to determine if further screening is needed. This applies directly to patients receiving chest x-ray results with abnormalities, ensuring they receive clear, standardized information. The law aims to increase patient awareness and encourage proactive conversations about personal health risks with their doctors. The Commissioner of Health must adopt implementing rules under the Administrative Procedure Act.