Rep. Jerry Walker

Maddy summaryThe Climate Superfund Act (A 3735) holds fossil fuel companies liable for climate change damages by requiring them to pay compensatory payments into a state fund. Companies that extracted or refined fossil fuels during 1995-2026 and emitted over one billion metric tons of greenhouse gases must pay based on their proportional liability, with joint liability for companies in a "controlled group." Funds collected will be distributed to implement climate adaptation projects, such as flood protection, infrastructure upgrades, and health programs in overburdened communities. The Department of Environmental Protection will administer the Climate Superfund Cost Recovery Program to manage payments and fund these projects.

Maddy summaryThe Ticket Fairness and Transparency Act aims to protect consumers in New Jersey by regulating how tickets are sold and resold for entertainment events. It requires ticket brokers to maintain physical offices, register with the state, and clearly disclose fees, seat locations, and refund policies to buyers. The bill also limits the markup that resellers can charge on ticket prices to a maximum of 20% and mandates that sellers show the total cost, including fees, before a purchase is made. Additionally, the law strengthens rules around ticket verification and guarantees refunds if brokers fail to deliver promised tickets or tour packages. These changes directly affect ticket sellers, brokers, and consumers by enforcing greater transparency and fairness in the marketplace.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection to use specific state funds to finance environmental infrastructure projects in fiscal year 2027. The legislation authorizes the department to provide zero-interest or principal forgiveness loans to sponsors for clean water and drinking water initiatives, utilizing money from various revolving funds and federal grants. Additionally, it permits the transfer of funds between different state revolving accounts to address urgent public health threats and meet future financing needs. Ultimately, the act ensures that available capital is allocated to support essential water and wastewater infrastructure improvements through the state's lending programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the $0.50 surcharge on rideshare trips that are designated for paratransit service, which includes transportation for people with disabilities and Medicaid non-emergency medical transport. It directly affects users of apps like Uber and Lyft who rely on these services for accessibility needs, ensuring they are not charged the extra fee required for regular prearranged rides. The legislation also clarifies that transportation network companies are not personally liable for these specific paratransit trips. By amending existing state laws, the bill removes the financial barrier for eligible riders while maintaining the surcharge for standard rides.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies the New Jersey SNAP application process by requiring agencies to provide applicants with a clear, fourth-grade level notice explaining eligibility rules and available assistance. It also allows applicants to self-certify key details such as household size, income, and shelter costs during the application or renewal, reducing the need for immediate document verification unless the information appears questionable. If an agency doubts a self-certified claim, it must explain the concern and list acceptable documents for the applicant to submit. The Division of Family Development is tasked with creating these new guidelines and issuing necessary rules to implement the changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Health to monitor and evaluate hospitals for compliance with federal rules on price transparency. The state agency will use methods such as reviewing complaints and auditing hospital websites to check if facilities are properly displaying their standard charges online. If a hospital is found noncompliant, the department can issue warnings, demand a corrective action plan, or impose civil monetary penalties that will be published on the department's website. Additionally, the department must publish an annual report detailing these compliance findings and any recommendations for the Governor and Legislature.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill creates a $20 million fund within the Department of the Treasury to replace SNAP benefits that are stolen through card cloning or skimming. It directs the Department of Human Services to use these funds to restore stolen money to eligible participants once federal replacement programs end and the state has transitioned to chip technology cards. To finance this fund, the Attorney General will temporarily collect a five percent fee from penalties and restitution paid in civil or criminal cases involving fraud. The bill also requires the state to publicly share information about the replacement process and to dissolve the fund once the state fully adopts chip technology for all SNAP cards.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the "New Jersey Holistic Representation Model" statewide within the Office of the Public Defender to expand a pilot program that previously operated in three counties. The law requires each regional office to form teams for eligible clients that pair a public defender attorney with a non-attorney client services specialist. These specialists are tasked with connecting individuals to resources for mental health, substance abuse, housing, employment, and other life challenges while attorneys focus on legal defense. The act also mandates the creation of databases to track community resources and requires all team members to maintain client confidentiality.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires public schools in New Jersey to start a breakfast program if at least five percent of their students qualify for free or reduced-price meals. School districts must submit implementation plans to the Department of Agriculture by specific deadlines, or they must follow a standard model plan provided by the state if they fail to submit their own. The law includes a waiver process for schools that lack the necessary staff, facilities, or funding to operate the program immediately, allowing them to request an exemption if they outline a plan to address these gaps in the future.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill proposes to exclude compensation earned by college athletes for the use of their name, image, or likeness from state gross income taxes. It directly affects student-athletes enrolled at four-year universities located within the state who earn money from these rights while participating in intercollegiate sports. Under the legislation, any income a taxpayer receives for such purposes during a taxable year would not be counted as taxable income. The law would apply retroactively to taxable years beginning after the date of enactment, allowing athletes to keep this specific earnings stream free from state taxation.