Asm. Chris Tully

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes minimum nurse-to-patient staffing ratios for hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, and state developmental/psychiatric facilities in New Jersey. It requires specific ratios (such as 1 nurse for every 4 medical/surgical patients, 1 nurse for every 2 critical care patients, and 1 unlicensed personnel for every 7 daytime patients) while mandating hospitals to implement an acuity-based staffing system to ensure adequate staffing levels. Hospitals found in violation may face civil penalties that increase with repeat offenses, with penalty revenue funding a dedicated "Patient Protection and Staffing Fund" to support nursing recruitment, retention, education, and inspector staffing. The bill also requires the Commissioner of Human Services to review staffing standards in developmental centers and psychiatric hospitals to align with these new requirements.

Maddy summaryACR 110 proposes a constitutional amendment allowing New Jersey municipalities to offer up to a 15% property tax exemption on the assessed value of a volunteer first responder’s primary residence. The exemption would apply to active members of volunteer fire departments, first aid, or rescue squads serving that municipality, provided their home is located within the municipality and serves as their primary residence. If approved by voters, the amendment would require the state legislature to pass enabling legislation, but municipalities would decide whether to implement the exemption and the exact percentage (up to 15%) via local ordinance. This change directly affects volunteer first responders and local governments, not the state government or all homeowners.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the "Innovation Partnership" to support emerging technology businesses across New Jersey through regional focus areas (northern: financial technology/cybersecurity, central: healthcare/life sciences, southern: agriculture/aviation, shore: renewable energy/autonomous vehicles). It creates an Innovation Fund to provide grants to certified nonprofit organizations, requiring private sector matching of funds for each grant. The program prioritizes nonprofit partners with diverse leadership and locations in designated municipalities, while specifically targeting support for minority and women's emerging technology businesses. Partners must report annually on their activities to the New Jersey Commission on Science, Innovation and Technology.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to identify reservoirs with documented history of causing or worsening downstream flooding. For these reservoirs, the DEP must study downstream flood risks and water supply needs, then set maximum water levels to balance flood prevention with community water access. Reservoir owners must create and follow an approved flood action plan (including flood gates) within 90 days of DEP rules. The Office of Emergency Management can also order immediate water level reductions during severe weather to prevent flooding, with the state indemnifying owners who comply with these orders and approved plans.

Maddy summaryACR 71 is a New Jersey legislative resolution urging Congress and the President to increase federal subsidies for the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). It specifically targets homeowners in flood-prone areas - particularly those affected by Hurricane Sandy - who face potential premium hikes of 500% or more due to federal policy changes. The resolution requests legislative action to lower costs for residents who have repeatedly suffered flood damage and experienced delayed federal relief. It does not create new law but formally asks the federal government to adjust NFIP subsidies.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to create a program encouraging owners or operators of closed landfills to convert these sites into habitats supporting pollinators like bees, butterflies, and bats using native plants. The DEP must develop guidelines for establishing and maintaining these habitats within six months of the law taking effect, and seek corporate or nonprofit partnerships to fund the effort. It directly affects landfill operators by providing a framework to repurpose closed landfill sites for ecological benefit. The bill defines "closed landfill" as legacy or closed sanitary landfills and "animal pollinator" as any species known to pollinate plants, such as bees, butterflies, or bats.

Maddy summaryThis bill would enter New Jersey into the Counseling Compact, an agreement allowing licensed professional counselors from New Jersey to practice in other member states without obtaining multiple licenses. The compact establishes a national commission to manage the agreement, share disciplinary information between states, and ensure counselors follow the laws of the state where their client is located. It would particularly benefit military personnel and their spouses who relocate frequently between states, as well as improve access to counseling services across state lines. Currently, 16 states have joined this compact, and New Jersey's participation would allow its licensed counselors to provide services in those states through a single license.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a licensing framework for digital asset businesses in New Jersey, requiring businesses engaging in activities like buying, selling, storing, or exchanging digital assets to obtain a license from the Bureau of Securities. It defines "digital asset" to exclude securities but includes virtual currency and digital consumer assets, while exempting certain activities like digital assets used within gaming platforms or prepaid cards. Businesses must disclose risks to consumers, maintain compliance policies, and face $500 per day penalties for operating without a license. The bill also creates a Digital Asset Enforcement Fund to support regulatory oversight and establishes requirements for application processes, background checks, and annual renewals.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Environmental Protection Commissioner (with the Agriculture Secretary) to create standards and a "pollinator-friendly" label for plants. It mandates that plants sold with this label must be native, non-invasive, and not treated with pesticides or chemicals harmful to pollinators like bees, butterflies, or hummingbirds. Retailers and distributors may only use the label if plants meet these standards, which prohibit harmful chemical treatments. The label applies specifically to plants marketed as safe for pollinators, defining "pollinator-friendly" based on these requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a $100,000 grant program administered by New Jersey's Division of Housing and Community Resources to fund street pole banners promoting local innovation achievements. It directly affects municipalities that apply, requiring them to submit plans highlighting specific regional accomplishments in fields like bioscience, clean energy, or telecommunications. Selected municipalities (nine total, with three per region and diverse urban/rural representation) must use funds to develop and install banners, then report on expenditures and banner impact within one year. The program includes mandatory reporting to the state on implementation and best practices, with the goal of evaluating potential statewide expansion.