Asm. Sean Kean

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits New Jersey state agencies from requiring electric heating or water heating systems as the sole or primary option in buildings until a required report is issued. It mandates the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) to hold at least six public hearings across the state within 18 months, gathering input on costs, environmental impacts, and effects on workers and low-income residents. The DCA must then submit a report within 24 months, summarizing findings and recommending actions for reducing emissions from buildings. The bill does not ban voluntary electric system use or incentives, nor does it prevent individuals from choosing electric systems.

Maddy summaryThis bill limits the duration of certain emergency orders, rules, or regulations issued by New Jersey's Governor under the Civil Defense Act to a maximum of 14 days. It requires the Legislature to approve any extension beyond this 14-day period through a concurrent resolution. The Governor cannot issue identical or substantially similar orders for the same emergency after one expires under this rule. Exceptions include orders rescinding prior emergency measures, federal compliance requirements, internal state government operations, military orders, or orders issued under other laws with longer terms.

Maddy summaryACR 37 proposes a constitutional amendment to freeze property taxes on the primary residences of New Jersey homeowners aged 65 or older. It would stabilize taxes at the current level when the owner turns 65 or acquires a home at 65+, requiring annual application to maintain the freeze. The freeze continues for surviving spouses aged 65+ who keep the home as their primary residence but ends if the property transfers to a new owner or stops being used as a primary residence. Unlike the current system - which requires income-based reimbursements for tax increases - this amendment would automatically freeze taxes for all qualifying homeowners regardless of income. The amendment must be approved by voters to take effect.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a two-year Animal Advocate Program within New Jersey's Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC). It allows courts to appoint an advocate in specific criminal cases involving animal welfare - such as animal cruelty (R.S.4:22-17) or dog fighting (P.L.2015, c.85) - to represent the animal's best interests. The advocate monitors the case, reviews records from animal control and veterinarians, shares information with attorneys, and recommends placement or care to the court. The program expires after two years, requiring the AOC to submit a report on implementation and recommendations for continuation.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution (ACR 70) is a symbolic gesture celebrating three specific elements: the Irish flag, St. Patrick's Day, and the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement. It does not create new laws or affect any specific group through policy changes - it is purely commemorative. The resolution expresses New Jersey's recognition of the historical significance of the Good Friday Agreement (signed April 10, 1998), the Irish flag's 175th anniversary (first flown in 1848), and St. Patrick's Day traditions. Copies will be sent to Ireland's Taoiseach and President as part of this ceremonial acknowledgment.

Maddy summaryThis bill exempts judges and justices from serving on jury duty in New Jersey. It amends state law to add specific judicial roles - including Supreme Court justices, Superior Court judges, municipal court judges, and federal judges - to the list of people automatically excused from jury service. The exemption applies immediately to all future jury summonses, meaning these judicial officers will no longer be required to serve as jurors. The change directly affects current and future judges across multiple court levels in New Jersey.

Maddy summaryAJR 55 designates March 16 each year as "Paws Healing Heroes Day" in New Jersey to recognize service dogs that assist veterans with conditions like PTSD, traumatic brain injury, military sexual trauma, and seizure disorders. The resolution directly affects veterans, service dog organizations (such as Paws Healing Heroes in Glassboro), and the public by raising awareness of these animals' role in veteran support. Its key mechanism is an annual designation requiring the Governor to issue a proclamation encouraging public observance. This is a ceremonial resolution, not a law with funding or regulatory changes, and it takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all public meetings of New Jersey's State Board of Education to be accessible both in person and virtually. It mandates that a live virtual link be posted on the Board's website for all meetings, including public comment sessions, and allows attendees to participate remotely via video call. The policy directly affects the public - including parents, educators, and community members - who wish to attend or comment on Board meetings. The bill takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes specific restrictions on fishing gear and pot use at New Jersey's Sandy Hook and Axel Carlson artificial reef sites. It designates certain areas (about 50% of historically available zones) for commercial fishing, limiting lobster pots to 75 total or 25 per line, requiring visible markers on gear, and prohibiting lobster fishing November 1-December 15 and other fish pot fishing May 15-October 1. The bill prohibits recreational lobster pot use in designated areas and requires federal funds for recreational fishing to be used on non-commercial reef areas, while commercial reef operations may be funded by donations or specific commercial allocations. It also requires the Department of Environmental Protection to apply for federal designation of these reefs as Special Management Zones.

Maddy summaryThis bill provides $3.5 million in additional state funding to the Freehold Regional School District to restore courtesy busing transportation services for students. The district had planned to eliminate these services - a savings of $3.5 million - to offset $20 million in state aid reductions since 2019. The funding specifically allows the district to continue providing transportation to students living less than 2.5 miles from school (considered "courtesy" under state law), which affects about 30% of its 10,000+ students. This direct appropriation targets the district’s immediate need to maintain essential transportation amid prior aid cuts.