Asm. Clinton Calabrese

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 summaryThis bill expands New Jersey's existing commuter transportation benefit program to include micromobility-sharing services, such as bike and scooter rentals, and transportation network company rides like those from ride-hailing apps. By updating the legal definition of "alternative means of commuting," the legislation allows employers to offer these specific services as pre-tax benefits to their employees without increasing their taxable income. The law includes specific conditions for ride-hailing services, permitting them as benefits only during late-night hours, for individuals with disabilities, or when shared rides are unavailable. This change directly affects employers in the state who wish to provide modern transportation options and employees who may utilize these services for their daily commute.

Maddy summaryThis bill formally approves the Fiscal Year 2027 financial plan for the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank. The resolution authorizes the bank to proceed with funding loans and debt guarantees for eligible environmental projects, including clean water, drinking water, and stormwater management initiatives. By passing this measure, the Legislature ratifies the bank's budgetary strategy for the upcoming fiscal year as required by state law. The document does not alter the bank's operations but rather provides the necessary legislative consent for its planned financial activities.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank to lend up to $3.85 billion to local governments and public water utilities for environmental infrastructure projects in fiscal year 2027. The funds are intended to help pay for the construction of facilities that manage water supply, wastewater treatment, and other environmental systems. Additionally, the legislation allows the bank to increase its lending capacity by including interest earned, administrative fees, and money transferred from specific state trust funds. These loans will be jointly managed by the Infrastructure Bank and the Department of Environmental Protection to ensure projects meet federal and state standards.

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 approves the Fiscal Year 2027 financial plan for the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank, a state agency that provides loans and debt guarantees for environmental projects. The resolution authorizes the bank to fund specific initiatives such as clean water, drinking water, stormwater management, and pollution control projects based on eligibility lists created by the Department of Environmental Protection. By passing this concurrent resolution, the Legislature formally validates the bank's budget and financing strategy for the upcoming fiscal year, allowing the agency to proceed with its authorized lending activities.

Maddy summaryAJR 150 designates September 21 of each year as "New Jersey Pedestrian Crosswalk Safety Day" to honor Bruce Morlack, a Burlington crossing guard who died protecting students. The resolution requests the Governor issue an annual proclamation encouraging residents, schools, and communities to observe the day with safety-focused activities. It does not create new laws or funding but commemorates Morlack's legacy and promotes pedestrian safety awareness. This ceremonial resolution affects all New Jersey residents and public officials through its annual observance.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows online news websites to publish required legal notices in New Jersey, provided they meet specific traffic and accessibility standards. To qualify, a publication must demonstrate a certain number of monthly unique visitors, with at least half of that traffic coming from the specific municipality, county, or the entire state where the notice is posted. The legislation also mandates that these sites remain free to access, keep records of notices for at least one year, and display their traffic statistics clearly to the public. Additionally, the bill extends a grace period for newspapers that were previously eligible to continue meeting these new requirements for online platforms.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill prohibits drivers from operating vehicles with intentionally obstructed license plates and bans the sale, purchase, or possession of merchandise designed to block or alter license plate visibility. The legislation specifically targets items such as retractable plate holders, reflective sprays, blackout covers, and flipping devices that change or hide registration numbers. Violators face fines of up to $500 for a first offense and $750 for subsequent infractions, along with the addition of penalty points to their driving and insurance records. The law also clarifies that existing penalties for obscured plates will no longer apply if the obstruction is caused by the new prohibited merchandise.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a $4.5 million grant program to reimburse New Jersey school districts for costs incurred when expanding their procurement of locally grown food for students. It directly affects eligible school districts participating in federal meal programs (like National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs), requiring them to submit plans for new or expanded local food sourcing beyond current baseline levels. The program reimburses documented costs for minimally processed local foods (like fruits, vegetables, or grains grown in New Jersey), excluding fluid dairy milk. School districts must implement new policies to increase local food access during school meals or summer programs to qualify for reimbursement.