Asm. Heather Simmons

Maddy summaryThis bill delays New Jersey's implementation of Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT) regulations until January 1, 2027 - pushing back the current 2025 deadline. It directly affects vehicle manufacturers of medium- and heavy-duty trucks, requiring them to sell increasing percentages of zero-emission vehicles (capping at 40-75% of annual sales by 2035). The bill modifies New Jersey’s adoption of California’s 2021 ACT regulations, which mandate phased EV sales targets, by prohibiting the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) from enforcing these rules before 2027. The delay gives manufacturers more time to adapt to the requirements while maintaining the state’s alignment with California’s emissions program.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A4626) requires construction permit applicants in New Jersey to disclose the anticipated funding sources and amounts for their projects. It directly affects developers and contractors applying for construction permits by mandating this financial transparency in their initial applications. The bill also requires applicants to certify or update this funding information before receiving a certificate of occupancy. The Commissioner of Community Affairs must develop implementing rules within 180 days of the bill's enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey's invasion of privacy law to clarify that consent to being photographed, filmed, or recorded in a sexual manner does not automatically cover consent for disclosing the image. It requires that any consent for sharing such images must be explicit, specific to the purpose given, and not implied by prior consent for taking the image. The law treats the act of capturing the image and the act of disclosing it as separate offenses, each needing distinct permission. This directly affects individuals whose intimate images are taken without consent and then shared without their explicit agreement for that sharing.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires new retail facilities or warehouses larger than 75,000 square feet to be designed with roofs capable of supporting solar panels covering at least 40% of the roof area (minus certain features like skylights). It mandates that the roof's load-bearing structure must safely accommodate the weight of operational solar systems, including environmental factors like snow and rain. The Department of Community Affairs must establish rules to implement these requirements, applying to developments where construction permits were not finalized before the bill's effective date. The law aims to facilitate future solar installations on large commercial buildings without requiring immediate solar deployment.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Stay NJ property tax credit program, providing eligible senior citizens (65+ years old) with a property tax credit equal to 50% of their property tax bill, up to a maximum of $6,500 for tax year 2026 (with annual adjustments based on property tax increases). The program targets New Jersey residents with annual income under $500,000 who own or rent their principal residence as a homestead. Eligible claimants will receive the greater of the Stay NJ credit or the combined ANCHOR rebate and homestead property tax reimbursement, with a single application process to replace current multiple programs. The credit will be implemented starting in 2026, with applications accepted February 1 through October 31 each year.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $128.241 million from constitutionally dedicated corporation business tax revenues to the State Agriculture Development Committee for farmland preservation. The funds will be used to acquire permanent protections on farmland (through easements or direct purchases) and provide grants to counties (up to 80% of acquisition costs) and qualified nonprofits (up to 50% of acquisition costs). It also allocates $12 million for administrative costs, $1 million for acquisition expenses, and $150,000 for legal costs related to enforcing preservation protections. If funds aren't fully spent within a year, the committee can increase its offers to landowners beyond standard rates, with public notice required.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey employers (both public and private) to create written policies granting employees the right to ignore work communications during nonworking hours - defined as time outside an employee's scheduled shift, established through written agreement. Exceptions allow employers to contact staff for emergencies (threatening safety or operations) or last-minute scheduling changes. Employees can report repeated violations (three or more documented cases) to the Labor Commissioner, who may impose a $100+ civil penalty on violators. The policy does not override existing worker protections for pay, time off, or union-covered employees.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Commissioner of Education to create a state policy governing student cell phone and social media use during school hours, on school buses, and at school events under staff supervision for all K-12 students. The policy must include age-appropriate rules for limiting phone use, exceptions for emergencies or health needs (with medical documentation), guidance on phone storage options like lockers, and methods to restrict social media access. School districts must adopt a policy consistent with this state guidance, though the Commissioner may grant exemptions upon request. The policy must be developed within 90 days and take effect for the next full school year after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill adds the right to use assisted reproductive technology (ART), including in vitro fertilization (IVF), to New Jersey's constitutional protections for reproductive choice. It explicitly expands existing rights - previously covering contraception, sterilization, and pregnancy decisions - to include choosing whether to use ART. The law states that any state, county, or local law limiting this right is invalid and unenforceable. It directly affects all New Jersey residents seeking or providing ART services, reinforcing access amid legal challenges in other states like Alabama. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryS 2792 appropriates $500,000 from two state funds - $200,000 from constitutionally dedicated business tax revenues and $300,000 from the 2009 Farmland Preservation Fund - to the State Agriculture Development Committee. This funding provides a $500,000 grant to Washington Township in Warren County for municipal planning to preserve farmland. The grant is a direct allocation under existing farmland preservation programs, with Washington Township also potentially eligible for additional competitive grants from other funds. The bill specifically directs this $500,000 to Washington Township without requiring a separate application.