Asm. Sean Kean

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to develop a management plan for two artificial reefs within the state's waters (within three nautical miles of the coast) within one year of the law taking effect. The plan must consider historical fishing activity and how both commercial and recreational fishermen use these sites. The DEP will also establish specific rules about the number of fish and lobster pots allowed on these reefs. The bill directly affects the two reefs in state waters - currently the only ones requiring a DEP permit alongside a federal permit - and gives the DEP the option to seek similar management rules for 15 reefs in federal waters.

Maddy summaryBill A1241 establishes the Code Blue Shelter Matching Grant Program within New Jersey's Department of Community Affairs (DCA). It provides matching funds to community-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that offer shelter during Code Blue alerts (cold-weather emergency alerts), requiring these groups to first receive a grant from a county or municipality within the past year. The DCA will match these local grants up to $50,000 per county/municipality annually, with no cap on the total number of grants or individual nonprofit funding. Nonprofits must submit applications detailing their finances, the original grant amount, and how funds will be used, and the DCA must report program effectiveness to the Governor and Legislature within three years.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey Assembly Resolution (AR 28) urges the federal government to approve oil and natural gas pipelines within the U.S., including those previously denied or shut down (like the Keystone XL Pipeline, revoked by President Biden in 2021). It argues that approving such pipelines would enhance U.S. energy independence, reduce reliance on foreign energy sources (e.g., from Russia or Venezuela), and lower fuel costs while creating jobs. The resolution directs copies to federal leaders but does not create new law or directly affect residents. It focuses on advocating for pipeline approvals as a policy action, not on implementing specific regulations.

Maddy summaryThe Mold Safe Housing Act requires landlords to address visible mold hazards in rental properties within 72 hours of written tenant notification. It mandates inspections for mold presence before change of occupancy in single-family and two-family rentals, and every five years for multiple dwellings under existing housing inspection laws. Tenants who experience unaddressed mold hazards can request relocation assistance from the Department of Community Affairs, with landlords potentially liable for relocation costs if they fail to maintain mold-safe housing. The law also requires courts to notify the Department when tenants are constructively evicted due to mold or other habitability issues. Landlords who don't comply with mold remediation requirements may face enforcement actions including lien placement and financial liability.

Maddy summaryBill A673 requires New Jersey school districts serving kindergarten through sixth grade to add a fitness and nutrition wellness program to their Comprehensive Health and Physical Education curriculum. The program must teach students about healthy food groups, balanced diets, exercise benefits, and healthy lifestyle habits, and include parent workshops. It directly affects all K-6 public school districts in New Jersey, mandating these requirements as part of implementing state learning standards. The bill aims to address childhood obesity by promoting healthy habits through structured education. It takes effect immediately for the first full school year after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands New Jersey's driving under the influence (DUI) law to prohibit operating a vehicle while impaired by any substance that affects driving ability, not just alcohol or specific drugs. It requires drivers to submit to evaluations by certified drug recognition experts when requested by police to determine impairment from any substance, similar to current requirements for alcohol testing. Drivers who refuse these evaluations would face license suspension penalties matching those for refusing alcohol tests: 7 months for a first refusal, 2 years for a second, and 10 years for a third or subsequent refusal. The bill does not change penalties for actual impairment but broadens the definition of what constitutes DUI.

Maddy summaryThis bill provides New Jersey taxpayers a state tax credit for purchasing qualifying low-speed electric bicycles. It allows a credit equal to 30% of the bike's cost, up to $1,500 per year, for bicycles costing $8,000 or less. To qualify, the bicycle must meet specific safety standards (max 20 mph, pedal-assist or throttle-only operation), and the bike cannot be used for business purposes. The credit applies to individual New Jersey residents who buy qualifying bicycles for personal use.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A637) prohibits homeowners' association board members, officers, and management employees from having financial conflicts of interest that could compromise their duties. It specifically bans them from awarding contracts to themselves, family members, or businesses where they hold more than a 5% stake, and prohibits employment of board members or their families. Associations must disclose any connections between contractors and board members, and the Department of Community Affairs can investigate violations, ordering removal of offending officers or voiding related decisions. The law applies directly to all New Jersey homeowners' associations managing common areas and their governing personnel.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A1106) would allow New Jersey taxpayers to deduct expenses for functional improvements and repairs made to their primary residence from their gross income tax. It defines "functional improvements" as work that materially improves a home's operating condition or extends its useful life (e.g., roof replacement, HVAC upgrades), excluding cosmetic remodels or adaptations for new uses. Repairs must maintain the home's ordinary efficiency (e.g., fixing plumbing), not just aesthetics. The deduction applies to both homeowners and renters, covers all qualifying expenses without a dollar limit, and allows married couples filing separately to each claim half the deduction for shared home costs.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey's Public Employees' Occupational Safety and Health Act to include certain interstate authorities as "employers" under the law, removing an existing exclusion for bi-state agencies. It specifically covers authorities like the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, Delaware River authorities, and the Waterfront Commission, making their employees subject to New Jersey's safety protections. The Governor is authorized to negotiate supplemental agreements with other states to implement these changes, though some provisions require concurrent action by those states to take full effect. The bill ensures employees of these entities who work with police or fire departments will have access to the same safety protections as other public employees.