Asm. Clinton Calabrese

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey's law governing employment programs for people with disabilities, renaming the "Sheltered Workshop Act" to the "Extended Employment Act." It changes eligibility requirements by redefining disabilities from "severe" to "significant" and removes the need for participants to complete workshop programs or prove they can't compete in the regular labor market. The bill eliminates oversight by the New Jersey Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired, revises funding mechanisms to adjust annually based on inflation, and repeals outdated provisions about product labeling and sales from these programs. The changes aim to modernize the program to better serve people with disabilities who may not have qualified under previous rules. The bill directly affects nonprofit extended employment providers and people with disabilities enrolled in these programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 4148, now P.L.2024, c.103) requires New Jersey's Department of Health (DOH) and Department of Education (DOE) to create and distribute informational materials about type 1 diabetes to parents and guardians of public school students. The materials must explain type 1 diabetes, its warning signs, screening recommendations, treatment planning, and school care protocols, as specified in the law. School districts must make these resources available to families through the DOE website. The law took effect immediately upon approval and directly affects all parents/guardians of students in New Jersey public schools.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A4208) removes a requirement that employees of the New Jersey Racing Commission must have lived in New Jersey for at least five years prior to hire. It directly affects current and future employees, including the executive director, chief inspector, and other staff positions within the Commission. The change modifies Section 4 of P.L.1940, c.17 (C.5:5-25), deleting the residency clause while maintaining other existing employment rules. The bill eliminates a specific barrier to hiring for these state positions without altering compensation or other duties. It takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill delays New Jersey's implementation of Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT) regulations until January 1, 2027 - pushing back the current 2025 deadline. It directly affects vehicle manufacturers of medium- and heavy-duty trucks, requiring them to sell increasing percentages of zero-emission vehicles (capping at 40-75% of annual sales by 2035). The bill modifies New Jersey’s adoption of California’s 2021 ACT regulations, which mandate phased EV sales targets, by prohibiting the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) from enforcing these rules before 2027. The delay gives manufacturers more time to adapt to the requirements while maintaining the state’s alignment with California’s emissions program.

Maddy summaryThe Freedom to Read Act establishes requirements for library materials in New Jersey public school libraries and public libraries, requiring school boards and library governing bodies to adopt policies that ensure access to diverse and inclusive materials. The bill defines "diverse and inclusive material" as content reflecting protected classes under New Jersey's Law Against Discrimination, materials produced by authors regardless of their protected class status, and materials containing authors' views on contemporary issues, while excluding age-inappropriate content. It creates procedures for challenging library materials, including review committees and requiring that challenged materials remain available until a final decision is made. The bill also provides legal protections for school library media specialists and librarians, granting them immunity from liability for good-faith actions and a civil cause of action against those who harass them for complying with the law.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's A5078 prohibits the farming (aquaculture) of any octopus species for human consumption within the state. It also bans businesses from selling, possessing, or transporting octopus products resulting from aquaculture. Violations carry civil penalties of up to $1,000 per day, with each continuing day treated as a separate offense. The law specifically excludes wild-caught octopus and research-related activities. This directly affects commercial aquaculture operations and food businesses handling farmed octopus.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates the Common Eastern Bumble Bee (*Bombus impatiens*) as New Jersey's State Native Pollinator. It does not create new regulations or funding but formally recognizes this species through state law. The designation applies symbolically to all New Jersey residents and highlights the bee's ecological role as a native pollinator supporting agriculture and ecosystems. No implementation mechanisms or policy changes are included beyond the official naming.

Maddy summaryThis bill revises New Jersey's process for health insurance carriers to credential physicians seeking to join their provider networks. It requires carriers to notify applicants within 30 days if an application is incomplete (or deem it complete if no notice is given) and to review complete applications within 30 days. The bill mandates carriers to use a standardized universal application form, post clear process details online - including required documents and timelines - and reimburse physicians for services provided during the credentialing wait period if approved. It also prohibits carriers from requiring physicians to resubmit applications solely due to changing employers within the state, and gives the Department of Banking and Insurance authority to enforce these rules and handle complaints.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A4525) requires the New Jersey Turnpike Authority (NJTA) and South Jersey Transportation Authority (SJTA) to provide written notice of toll violations to vehicle owners before charging administrative fees. The notice must be sent within 60 days of the violation and include details about the violation (date, time, location) and a 30-day window to pay the toll and avoid fees. Authorities cannot issue or collect administrative fees unless they've provided this notice and the 30-day remedy period has expired. The bill also clarifies that rental vehicle lessors can avoid liability by submitting lease documentation to the authorities.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires large supermarkets and grocery stores (over 16,000 square feet with 90% food space) and food suppliers to make a reasonable effort to donate edible food that would otherwise be discarded. It mandates donations to food banks, nonprofits, or individuals, not for profit but to cover minimal handling costs. The law applies to food still safe for consumption but not sold due to normal business operations, such as unsold perishables. It defines "donate" as free or minimal-cost transfers and takes effect 180 days after enactment.