Asm. Sean Kean

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a $1 million pilot program through New Jersey's Office of Planning Advocacy to reimburse municipalities for specific costs related to warehouse development planning. It directly affects local governments that update zoning ordinances or conduct mitigation studies for warehouse projects, requiring them to adopt warehouse-specific zoning consistent with state guidelines. Municipalities can apply for reimbursement for expenses like reexamining master plans or studying impacts of pending warehouse sites, with priority given to those needing financial assistance most. The program expires after the Office submits a report on its effectiveness, detailing how the funds were used and whether it should become permanent.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey law to increase penalties for false public alarms targeting places of worship. It defines a "place of worship" as a building seating over 50 people used permanently for religious services by a registered 501(c)(3) organization. Violations involving such locations become a second-degree crime (previously third-degree) and trigger a minimum $5,000 civil penalty - double the standard $2,000 penalty - plus reimbursement for emergency response costs. The law also requires annual reports from law enforcement on these offenses to the state's Office of Emergency Management.

Maddy summaryThis bill raises the penalty for stealing catalytic converters by one degree in New Jersey's criminal classification system. For example, a theft that would normally be a fourth-degree offense (for property valued between $200-$500) becomes a third-degree offense if a catalytic converter is stolen. The change applies automatically to any theft of a catalytic converter, regardless of its value or the circumstances of the theft. It directly affects individuals convicted of stealing catalytic converters by increasing the severity of their criminal charge.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires owners of low-speed electric bicycles (max 20 mph) and low-speed electric scooters (max 19 mph) in New Jersey to register these vehicles with the Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) and maintain liability insurance. Registration costs $8, expires after 11 months, and requires MVC approval of the vehicle type. Owners must carry minimum liability coverage of $35,000 per person for bodily injury, replacing prior exemptions that allowed operation without registration or insurance. The bill directly affects all residents who own or operate these devices on New Jersey roads and paths.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill clarifies that law enforcement officers may enforce helmet requirements for minors without conflicting with existing restrictions on officer actions regarding underage substance possession. It amends two statutes to explicitly permit officers to issue warnings or impose fines for juveniles under 17 failing to wear bicycle helmets (as required by current law) and for juveniles under 18 failing to wear helmets on motorized bicycles. The bill specifically states that prohibitions on police conduct related to alcohol or cannabis enforcement do not block helmet law enforcement. This affects all minors operating bicycles or motorized bikes in the state, ensuring consistent enforcement of helmet safety rules.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to increase New Jersey's veterans' property tax deduction from $250 to $1,000 annually, effective for tax year 2022. It would require future annual adjustments to the deduction amount based on changes in the Consumer Price Index (CPI), with the deduction never decreasing - even if CPI falls - and rounded to the next highest dollar amount. The change would apply to honorably discharged veterans, their surviving spouses, and veterans living in continuing care retirement communities (with specific payment rules for those communities). As a constitutional amendment, it requires voter approval after passing both legislative chambers.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the "New Jersey Pandemic Bill of Rights for the Welfare of Individuals," granting specific protections to all New Jersey residents during pandemics, disease outbreaks, or public health emergencies. It requires healthcare facilities to provide safeguards for nursing home residents and those with health conditions, ensure proper medical evaluation before discharge, guarantee adequate care and therapy, allow family visitation, and protect legal directives like "do not resuscitate" orders. The bill mandates that attorneys be designated as essential workers with open offices and ensures access to legal services during emergencies. The Commissioner of Health must publish these rights online and require all healthcare facilities to display them prominently.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey healthcare providers to follow specific protocols when prescribing or dispensing benzodiazepines (like Xanax or Valium) and similar sleep medications (non-benzodiazepine hypnotics). It mandates that doctors and pharmacists provide patients with a cautionary pamphlet about risks like addiction, proper storage, and disposal, along with a signed consent form. Prescriptions for these medications cannot exceed four weeks without a documented medical exception, and labels must include bold warnings about dependence risks. The requirements apply to general practitioners and community pharmacies but exclude providers working in long-term care facilities. The Department of Health will develop detailed protocols, including guidance for safely tapering long-term use.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows public school districts and nonpublic schools (like private or religious schools) within those districts to use existing "security categorical aid" funds to hire school security personnel. Currently, these funds were intended for security services, but the bill explicitly clarifies that hiring security staff is an acceptable use. It amends two existing laws - the "Secure Schools for All Children Act" and the "School Funding Reform Act of 2008" - to specify that security personnel hiring is permitted under the funding rules. The change takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill provides a $2.125 million supplemental appropriation from the state General Fund to Howell Township in Monmouth County. It funds the extension of drinking water mains to the Freewood Acres neighborhood, which currently relies on outdated, shallow groundwater wells in a high-risk area. The project coordinates with an ongoing sewer infrastructure upgrade to replace failing septic systems polluting a sensitive watershed. This funding addresses Howell Township's inability to cover the costs alone, enabling the combined water and sewer project to proceed.