Asm. Clinton Calabrese

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's "Design Professional Self-Certification Act" (A4360, now law as P.L.2024, c.58) creates a program allowing licensed architects and professional engineers to self-certify that certain construction projects comply with building codes. It directly affects qualified design professionals who can now submit construction permit applications with self-certification forms for eligible projects (like renovations under specific size limits for residential or commercial buildings), bypassing full code reviews by local agencies. Local building departments must then conduct a simple "supervisory check" to confirm all required documents are present and issue permits - same as before - within 1-5 days. This applies only to projects not excluded (e.g., structural alterations requiring special inspections, new kitchens, or electrical upgrades over 400 amps), with the Department of Community Affairs setting qualification rules.

Maddy summaryThe "Louisa Carman Medical Debt Relief Act" prevents credit reporting agencies from including paid medical debt or medical debt under $500 in credit reports, regardless of when the debt was incurred. It prohibits medical creditors and debt collectors from reporting medical debt to credit agencies for services provided after the law takes effect. The bill requires a 180-day waiting period before collection actions can begin and mandates a 30-day notice with a clear payment deadline before starting collections. Additionally, it protects patients by prohibiting debt collection during pending insurance appeals and requiring credit bureaus to remove debt information if an appeal is pending or the debt is paid.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey school districts to enter into lease and purchase agreements for electric school buses with terms extending to the vehicles' service life (rather than the current 10-year maximum for fossil fuel buses). It authorizes the New Jersey School Boards Association to serve as a government aggregator to help school districts obtain electric school buses, charging infrastructure, and related maintenance services through competitive contracting. The bill specifically permits competitive contracting for electric school buses, on-site charging infrastructure, and related services, which were not previously explicitly included in the list of allowable specialized procurement. School districts can now use this approach for electric buses while maintaining the existing 10-year limit for fossil fuel buses.

Maddy summaryThe bill authorizes the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank to provide up to $53,883,706 in low-interest loans for 14 specific transportation infrastructure projects in Fiscal Year 2025. These projects include bridge replacements, road improvements, and pedestrian safety initiatives in cities and counties across New Jersey, such as Bayonne's E. 25th Street Pedestrian Bridge Replacement and Atlantic County's Rte. 629 Pedestrian & Traffic Signal Improvement Project. The loans will be provided to local government units (municipalities and counties) and can be repaid over up to 31 years, with interest rates tied to the bank's bond rates. The program expires on July 1, 2025, and is limited to the specific projects outlined in the legislation.

Maddy summaryThis bill removes the requirement for teacher candidates in New Jersey to pass a basic skills test (such as the Praxis Core) to obtain certain teaching certificates. Specifically, it eliminates the need for candidates seeking a certificate of eligibility, certificate of eligibility with advanced standing, provisional certificate, or standard instructional certificate to complete a Commissioner-approved test of basic reading, writing, and math skills. The change directly affects individuals pursuing teaching certification in the state by streamlining the certification process. It repeals the existing law requiring these tests, making certification more accessible for educators meeting other standard qualifications. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates New Jersey's requirements for inspecting residential rental properties for lead-based paint hazards. It mandates that municipalities inspect rental units at tenant turnover or every three years (with lead-safe certifications now valid for three years), while repealing an outdated provision requiring the Department of Community Affairs to conduct these inspections. The bill also modifies inspection methods based on local child blood lead level data and requires municipalities to report lead hazard findings to the Department of Community Affairs. These changes aim to streamline lead hazard inspections while maintaining protections for tenants, particularly children, from lead paint exposure.

Maddy summaryThis bill provides for automatic renewal of off-track wagering licenses in New Jersey, meaning licensees will automatically receive renewal without additional application steps as long as they file required forms and pay fees. It reduces the minimum number of annual thoroughbred races required at Meadowlands Racetrack and Monmouth Park from 50 to 25, with consent from the New Jersey Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association. The bill also changes the timeframe for unclaimed cash vouchers from three years to one year, with the value split equally between the permitholder and purse account at the location of purchase. Additionally, it removes restrictions on when simulcasting facilities can accept future wagers, allowing them to accept such wagers anytime the facility is open to the public.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires private bus companies operating regular scheduled routes (excluding charter, casino, or tourism-focused services) to notify the public and government agencies before making major service cuts. Specifically, operators must provide 4 months' written notice to state agencies (NJ Motor Vehicle Commission and NJ Transit) and 3 months' notice to riders before reducing service. They must also hold a public meeting in the affected area within 15 days of notifying riders, with prior notice to local officials. Violations could result in civil penalties up to $10,000 per instance.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) to check the federal Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse for commercial driver license (CDL) and commercial learner's permit (CLP) applicants and holders. If the federal database shows a person is prohibited from operating commercial vehicles due to drug or alcohol violations, the MVC must not issue, renew, or upgrade a CDL or CLP. The MVC must downgrade existing CDLs/CLPs within 60 days of receiving notification and reinstate them once the driver completes the return-to-duty process. This applies to all CDL/CLP applicants and those renewing hazardous material endorsements. The bill ensures New Jersey complies with federal commercial driver safety requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands New Jersey's Mobility and Transportation Innovation Pilot Program from a Mercer County-only initiative to cover the entire state, allowing local governments and transit agencies statewide to apply for grants. It adds specific requirements for projects, including ensuring access for low-income residents without smartphones or credit cards and requiring wheelchair-accessible vehicles and accessible mobile apps. The bill appropriates $20 million in new state funding (beyond an existing $2 million) to support these grants. The program funds transportation projects using innovative technologies to improve mobility, accessibility, and sustainability in disadvantaged communities.