Asm. Sean Kean

Maddy summaryThis bill (A4782) requires electric public utilities in New Jersey to provide specific support during extended power outages (over 24 hours) affecting age-restricted communities. These communities are defined as developments for residents 55+ years old governed by shared rules. Utilities must set up temporary water stations, cooling/heating centers with seating, and device charging stations until power is restored. The law applies immediately to all affected utilities and age-restricted communities.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a "Shark River Bridge Study Commission" to analyze the economic impact of the bridge's closure on local businesses, determine affected businesses, and recommend grant sizes and funding levels. The commission - comprising eight members including business owners from Belmar and Avon-by-the-Sea, state officials, and county representatives - must submit a report to the Governor and Legislature within 18 months. Based on this report, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority will establish a grant program to provide operational support to businesses impacted by the bridge closure. Businesses must apply with details about their operational impact and sustainability plan, with grants awarded competitively based on the commission's findings.

Maddy summaryAJR 192 is a New Jersey state resolution urging Congress and the U.S. President to pass the federal "Securing Local Communities Input in Broadband Development Act." It directly affects local governments and communities by seeking to prevent the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) from limiting their input on broadband infrastructure projects, including 5G tower construction. The resolution highlights that current FCC rules (like the 2023 "Accelerating Wireless and Wireline Broadband Deployment" order) preempt local input on aesthetics and timelines, and asks Congress to remove this FCC authority. It does not create new law but requests federal action to balance community concerns with broadband deployment needs.

Maddy summaryAJR 193 designates April 27th of each year as "Ulysses S. Grant Day" in New Jersey. The resolution honors Ulysses S. Grant's historical connections to the state, including his birthplace, Civil War service, presidency, and summer visits to Long Branch. It requires the Governor to annually issue a proclamation encouraging public officials and citizens to observe the day with appropriate activities. This is a ceremonial resolution with no new laws or funding, solely recognizing Grant's contributions to New Jersey and the nation.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey electric public utilities to pre-position repair equipment in service areas that experience frequent power outages caused by high-risk events (like severe storms, heatwaves, or blizzards). Utilities must place this equipment 12-24 hours before such events and ensure it is regularly maintained and functional. The Board of Public Utilities will establish rules specifying the types of equipment needed and best practices for pre-positioning. The law applies to all utilities distributing electricity in the state, aiming to accelerate power restoration after disruptive weather.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires group homes for individuals with developmental disabilities to install electronic monitoring devices (EMDs) in common areas when all residents and their authorized representatives consent. It also permits residents to install EMDs in private rooms with the consent of roommates in double occupancy rooms. The bill specifies that EMDs must be unobstructed and recording at all times, with common area footage retained for 90 days. Group home licensees must develop internal policies for EMD use, and residents can access footage related to incidents of abuse, neglect, or exploitation. The bill aims to balance resident safety with privacy rights through voluntary, consensual use of EMDs.

Maddy summaryThis bill, "Jillian's Law" (A4737), requires courts to commit defendants found incompetent to stand trial to a state institution if they pose a danger to themselves or others, eliminating prior options for outpatient treatment or release. It modifies New Jersey law (N.J.S.2C:4-6) by removing the court's ability to choose outpatient or release alternatives in such cases. The law maintains the existing 3-month review period for regaining competency and requires institutional commitment only for those deemed dangerous. This affects defendants in criminal cases who are found incompetent but pose safety risks, directly changing their post-incompetency placement options.

Maddy summaryCJ's Law (A3797) would criminalize the manufacture, sale, and possession of substances containing kratom in New Jersey. It sets different penalties based on quantity: possessing or distributing one ounce or more of kratom would be a second-degree crime (5-10 years in prison or up to $150,000 fine), while smaller amounts would be third-degree crimes (3-5 years or up to $15,000 fine). Kratom, a botanical substance from Southeast Asia marketed as a pain supplement but not approved for medical use, is associated with health risks including addiction and respiratory issues. The bill is named after Christopher James Holowach, who died from cardiac arrest related to kratom use. Currently, kratom is not banned by New Jersey law but is restricted under federal FDA guidelines.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases the monthly personal needs allowance (PNA) from $50 to $140 for low-income residents in nursing homes, state psychiatric hospitals, and state developmental centers. The allowance is intended for residents to spend on discretionary items like phone calls, meals out, clothing, or hobbies. The new amount includes an automatic annual increase tied to the Social Security cost-of-living adjustment starting the year after enactment. It also ensures SSI recipients in these facilities receive the same $140 monthly allowance as Medicaid recipients, with the state covering the difference if federal supplements remain unchanged.

Maddy summaryAJR 187 designates July 24 of each year as "Josh Gibson Negro Leagues Appreciation Day" in New Jersey to honor baseball legend Josh Gibson and the Negro Leagues. The resolution requests the Governor issue an annual proclamation encouraging public observance through programs and activities. It recognizes Gibson's career achievements, including his recent integration into MLB records as the all-time leader in batting average and slugging percentage, and commemorates his 1936 home run at Belmar, New Jersey. The bill has no binding effect beyond the symbolic recognition and annual observance.