Rep. Ellen Park

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill exempts small, portable solar generators from standard utility rules like interconnection agreements and net metering programs. It specifically affects homeowners who want to use these devices, which are defined as having a maximum output of 1,200 watts and plugging into standard 120-volt outlets. Under the new law, utility companies cannot require approval, fees, or extra equipment for these devices, and they are also shielded from liability for any damage caused by their use. Additionally, the bill mandates that the Department of Community Affairs update building codes to provide clear guidelines for safely wiring homes to accommodate these portable power systems.

Maddy summaryThis bill codifies protections for patients and providers accessing or offering legally permitted reproductive and gender-affirming health care in New Jersey. It prohibits obstructing or intimidating individuals at facilities providing these services - including blocking entrances, causing reasonable fear of harm, or threatening violence. The law defines "legally protected health care activity" to cover all such services lawful in New Jersey, regardless of a patient’s location, and applies to both in-state residents and out-of-state patients seeking care here. It expands existing safeguards by explicitly banning physical obstructions and threats at facilities offering these services.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's A-2159 requires parties in civil lawsuits to disclose third-party litigation funding agreements to the court and all parties at the time of filing or when the agreement is made. It defines "litigation funders" (excluding family, attorneys, banks, and nonprofits) and imposes fiduciary duties on them, banning funders from influencing case decisions or charging fees exceeding 25% of settlement/judgment amounts. The bill also prohibits funders from offering legal advice, securing waived damages, or assigning funding agreements, and makes violations unenforceable. This applies to all civil actions (excluding workers' compensation) and aims to increase transparency in funding arrangements for lawsuits. The bill is pending before the Assembly Financial Institutions Committee.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires contractors working on New Jersey public works projects to verify that all craftworkers meet minimum qualifications. Specifically, it mandates that contractors register electronically and provide proof that each journeyperson has either completed a registered apprenticeship program meeting federal standards or has four years of documented work experience (with union members under certain collective bargaining agreements exempt). The law also requires contractors to confirm they participate in approved apprenticeship programs for any craftworkers they employ. These requirements apply directly to contractors bidding on or performing state-funded construction projects.

Maddy summaryThis bill imposes three new fees on private prison operators in New Jersey to fund social support programs. It charges an 8% fee on the value of public contracts (section 2), a $15 daily fee per inmate (section 3), and a 3% surtax on taxable income (section 4). All revenue flows into two dedicated funds: one for legal services supporting detained individuals and another for community programs like job training and housing (sections 2e and 3e). The bill directly affects private prison companies operating under state contracts, with fees applying during active contracts or inmate stays.

Maddy summaryThis bill exempts small portable solar devices (under 1,200 watts) from standard utility requirements. It directly affects homeowners using these devices, which connect via standard 120V outlets and meet electrical safety standards. Key provisions remove the need for interconnection agreements, net metering program rules, utility approval, or fees. Utilities cannot charge for these devices or require additional equipment beyond what’s built-in. The bill also shields utilities from liability for customer use of these devices.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires social media platforms with significant user activity in New Jersey to display prominent warning labels about mental health risks during account sign-up and when users access certain features. It specifically targets platforms that allow social interaction (like profile creation and content sharing) and directly affects minors under 18, as defined by the bill. The warnings must highlight risks identified by the U.S. Surgeon General, including links between heavy social media use and increased depression, anxiety, and sleep disruption in youth. Platforms must comply with these labeling requirements to inform users and families about potential harms. The bill does not impose additional restrictions beyond the warning labels.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 1403) revises the definition of "contracting unit" in New Jersey law to explicitly include "State authority or agency" in cooperative purchasing agreements. Previously, State authorities and agencies were excluded from this definition, but the change allows them to participate in cost-saving cooperative purchasing agreements with other states or local governments. The key mechanism removes the prior exclusion of State authorities, enabling them to use pre-vetted cooperative contracts for goods/services when cost-effective. This directly affects State agencies and authorities, expanding their ability to leverage statewide or multi-state purchasing agreements. The bill does not alter existing rules for local governments, school districts, or other entities already covered under the definition.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits health insurance carriers from denying coverage for nonopioid pain medications in favor of opioids or requiring patients to try opioids first. It requires insurers to treat FDA-approved nonopioid drugs equally to opioids in formularies, meaning coverage restrictions, prior authorization, and cost-sharing tiers must be no more restrictive for nonopioid drugs. The law applies to state health benefit plans, school employee health programs, and Medicaid for acute pain treatment. It takes effect January 1, 2026, directly affecting insurers and patients covered by these plans.

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.