Asm. Sean Kean

Maddy summaryThis bill changes the standard for lawful firearm transporters who deviate from their course of travel from "reasonably necessary" to "reasonable." It specifically allows for common, brief, lawful detours like picking up passengers, obtaining supplies or medication, and using restrooms before reaching a permitted destination. The bill also explicitly permits firearm transportation during bona fide emergencies or declared disaster evacuations. This affects individuals lawfully transporting firearms under existing exemptions, such as gun owners traveling between home and business, hunters, and members of rifle/pistol clubs.

Maddy summaryBill A652 requires New Jersey's Council on Affordable Housing (COAH) to adopt regulations mandating that municipalities prioritize applicants who reside in the municipality where they apply for affordable housing. The regulations would direct municipalities to give preference to current residents over non-residents when allocating affordable housing units. This policy change directly affects how local governments process affordable housing applications and impacts applicants seeking housing assistance within their communities. The bill applies to all municipal affordable housing programs under COAH's oversight.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's State Auditor to analyze the costs and benefits of certain state-funded programs and initiatives. It applies to any program or tax credit initiative receiving $1 million or more annually in state funding, including those run by accounting agencies or economic development authorities. The auditor must assess direct/indirect costs, tangible/intangible benefits, compare feasible alternatives, and conduct sensitivity testing. The findings must be reported to the Governor, Legislature, and made publicly available online. This provides lawmakers with data to evaluate program effectiveness and make informed budget decisions.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey electric utilities with substations that previously caused widespread power outages (affecting at least 5% of customers in a municipality or county for 24+ hours) to create flood mitigation plans. Within 120 days of the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) setting flood-proof design rules, utilities must submit these plans. The BPU then reviews them within 180 days and orders implementation within one year. Crucially, the BPU cannot approve any rate increase for these utilities until the flood mitigation work is completed.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes an Office of Tourism Research within New Jersey's Department of State to support tourism marketing and planning efforts. The office will create a database of potential travelers (targeting specific demographics and geographic areas), organize tourism assets into seven categories (including heritage sites, entertainment venues, and agricultural attractions), and conduct surveys on marketing effectiveness. It requires the tourism division to develop a comprehensive marketing plan targeting domestic and international markets, create free mobile apps for tourists, and provide training to tourism businesses on resource management, product development, and securing financing. These changes directly affect New Jersey's tourism industry, travel businesses, and the state's tourism marketing division.

Maddy summaryThis Assembly Resolution (AR 38) condemns Hamas' October 7, 2023 attacks on Israel and reaffirms New Jersey's support for Israel and Jewish people. It directs that copies be transmitted to Israel's U.S. ambassador and New Jersey's congressional delegation. The resolution is symbolic, with no new laws or funding changes, and focuses solely on expressing legislative stance. It references the attacks' casualties and Hamas' designation as a terrorist group but does not alter policy or affect specific individuals or groups.

Maddy summaryThis bill would amend New Jersey's firearms law to specifically prohibit anyone named on the federal Terrorist Watchlist from obtaining a firearms identification card or a permit to purchase a handgun. The bill adds this as a specific disqualification under current law, which currently allows denials for reasons like criminal convictions or mental health concerns. If an applicant is denied based on this provision, they can challenge the denial in court by presenting evidence they are not the person on the watchlist, while the chief of police or superintendent must prove it is the same person by a preponderance of evidence. The bill directly affects individuals listed on the federal Terrorist Watchlist who seek to legally purchase or possess firearms in New Jersey.

Maddy summaryDrew's Law (A639) establishes a 15 miles per hour speed limit on roads passing through or directly adjacent to state-owned public parks during park hours, when children are visible from the roadway, or during park events. This applies to all state parks, recreation facilities, or playgrounds, and increases penalties for violations from $50-$200 to $100-$400 per offense. Counties and municipalities may also adopt similar 15 mph limits for their own parks, with the same enhanced fines. The bill aims to reduce vehicle-related risks near park areas where children are present, based on the tragic 2014 incident involving Drew Keough.

Maddy summaryACR 27 is a concurrent resolution (not a bill) calling for a special legislative session to address property tax relief and reform. It requires the Legislature to convene within seven days of passage, dedicating the session solely to considering property tax policy changes. The resolution cites high property taxes as a burden on residents, particularly affecting low-income families, seniors, and homeowners. It does not propose specific tax changes but mandates that lawmakers introduce and vote on relevant bills during this session.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey municipalities to permit newly elected members of their governing bodies to attend closed meetings (where the public is excluded) before they have taken their official oaths of office. Municipalities would need to adopt a resolution or ordinance authorizing this participation. New members must sign an official statement acknowledging they will follow conduct rules for closed meetings, and this signed statement must be filed with the municipal clerk. The change enables new officials to engage in municipal decision-making earlier, before the formal reorganization meeting.