Asm. Chris Tully

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a three-year pilot program to install electronic vaping device detectors in restrooms of public middle and high schools (grades 7-12) in New Jersey. It targets school districts located in municipalities with the highest rates of youth vaping, as identified by the Department of Health. Participating schools must apply with data on student enrollment, restroom access, and local vaping rates, and the program will evaluate whether detectors reduce student vaping use. A final report on the program's effectiveness must be submitted to the Governor and Legislature by June 2027.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's A925 would allow voters to register and vote on election day at polling places or during early voting by completing an affirmation statement and providing identification. Currently, voters must register at least 21 days before an election, but this bill would enable those who missed the deadline to register and cast a provisional ballot. Voters registering on election day would have 48 hours after the election to verify their identity through the Motor Vehicle Commission database or by providing acceptable identification, ensuring their ballot is counted if valid. This change would directly affect voters who meet eligibility requirements but missed the standard registration deadline.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Economic Development Authority (EDA) to create a website connecting eligible businesses and organizations in innovation industries with suppliers. Eligible entities include those operating in fields like biotechnology, information technology, renewable energy, and life sciences. The website will allow these entities to post needs for physical locations, equipment, labor, or supplies, and search for matching suppliers to arrange purchases or rentals. It must also list public and private funding sources, such as state/federal grants and investment opportunities, to support their projects.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A2347) requires New Jersey's Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) to issue electronic driver's licenses and identification cards upon request, and allows drivers to display these electronic versions on devices like smartphones instead of physical cards. It updates existing law to explicitly permit electronic display of licenses, registration certificates, and insurance cards during traffic stops, while specifying that police cannot access other device contents. The MVC may charge a reasonable fee for electronic cards and must develop rules to prevent counterfeiting. This directly affects all New Jersey drivers and ID card holders who choose to use electronic versions.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's Assembly Bill A2354 establishes a state-funded grant program within the Department of Human Services to support free transportation services for seniors. The bill appropriates $2.5 million to provide municipalities with grants (up to $25,000 each) to create or expand programs offering round-trip transportation for seniors aged 55+ to medical appointments, shopping, recreation, or other needs - without cost to users or income requirements. Municipalities must apply with details about existing services, proposed use of funds, and expected beneficiaries, with applications accepted for a six-month window starting within 180 days of the bill's enactment. Unspent funds revert to the state general fund 180 days after the Department of Human Services submits its final report to the legislature.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a $2,000 tax exemption for New Jersey volunteer firefighters, first aid, and rescue squad members who meet specific service and training requirements. To qualify, firefighters must serve the entire year, respond to at least 60% of fire alarms and drills, and hold Firefighter I certification; rescue and first aid members must respond to at least 10% of rescue alarms and drills and have approved training or EMT certification. Volunteer organizations must submit annual lists of eligible members to the state for verification by March 31. The exemption applies to taxable years starting after the bill's enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a public database managed by the NJ Business Action Center (Department of State) listing vacant commercial spaces available for lease or purchase by small businesses. It requires commercial property owners to report vacancies or occupancy changes monthly, with the database including details like square footage, capital equipment, and building systems (e.g., HVAC, security). The database will be updated monthly using data from property owners, realtors, and municipalities, and made accessible online with targeted outreach to business associations and chambers of commerce. The goal is to reduce the time and cost for small businesses to find suitable commercial space by centralizing vacancy information.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires public water systems to notify customers and local officials (including schools, hospitals, and municipalities) within 30 days if PFAS levels in drinking water exceed a safe limit, explaining health risks and directing them to an educational program. Landlords must share these notices with tenants within 3 business days and post them prominently in rental properties. The state's environmental agency must create an online educational program about PFAS health effects and mitigation steps, updated annually on its website. These requirements take effect 18 months after enactment, with the educational program starting within one year.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to conduct every five years a review of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking water that are not currently regulated under state or federal law. It specifically mandates two assessments: one to determine if new safety standards are needed for unregulated PFAS, and another to evaluate whether existing PFAS standards adequately protect children, who may be more vulnerable due to their body size and higher water intake relative to weight. The DEP must then submit written reports of these findings to the Governor, the Legislature, and publish them online for public access. This directly affects the DEP's regulatory process and aims to inform future drinking water safety policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits organizing, promoting, or participating in competitive events (such as contests with prizes) where participants harass or take specific wildlife - including coyotes, raccoons, squirrels, and other listed animals - except for authorized field trials. Violators face a disorderly persons offense (up to six months in jail, $1,000 fine) plus a five-year suspension of wildlife licenses and possession privileges. Injured wildlife must be transported to a licensed rehabilitator or vet, and killed wildlife becomes the property of the Division of Fish and Wildlife. The law applies broadly to events not covered by existing field trial permits, targeting commercialized wildlife competitions.