Asm. Lisa Swain

Maddy summaryNew Jersey Assembly Bill A4976 creates two new firearm offenses: a third-degree crime for accidentally firing a gun within 100 yards of occupied buildings or schools/child care facilities (even if unoccupied), and a fourth-degree crime for other reckless discharges. This directly affects anyone who unintentionally discharges a firearm near schools, homes, or businesses. The bill specifies that convictions for these offenses won’t merge with other charges, requiring separate sentences, and mandates consecutive prison terms if multiple offenses occur. Third-degree violations carry up to 5 years in prison or $15,000 fines, while fourth-degree violations carry up to 18 months or $10,000 fines.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A5195) requires manufacturers to provide written notice to purchasers when selling firefighting personal protective equipment (like jackets, helmets, or gloves) containing chemicals called PFAS (perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances). The notice must state that PFAS is present, explain why it's used, and list the specific chemicals. Beginning six months after the bill takes effect, manufacturers must provide this notice at sale, and both parties must keep copies for three years. Two years later, the bill prohibits selling, manufacturing, or distributing firefighting gear that intentionally contains PFAS. It directly affects manufacturers of firefighting PPE and fire departments purchasing this equipment.

Maddy summaryThis bill, S 2373 (the "New Jersey First Responders PTSD Protection Act"), protects paid first responders (including police, firefighters, EMTs, and 911 dispatchers) who are diagnosed with work-related PTSD. It prohibits public employers from firing, harassing, or discriminating against these employees for taking leave related to a PTSD diagnosis verified by a licensed medical professional. Employers must reinstate employees to their prior roles after medical clearance and face civil penalties of up to $10,000 per violation if they retaliate. The law applies only when PTSD arises from trauma directly tied to job duties, such as witnessing incidents or experiencing vicarious trauma while performing official responsibilities.

Maddy summaryThis bill permanently allows retired employees of the New Jersey Legislature who are members of the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) to return to part-time work without losing retirement benefits. It extends the existing rule permitting such returns (limited to 20 hours weekly, requiring a bona fide retirement, and starting 30+ days after retirement) to be permanent, rather than temporary. Specifically, it allows those already returning under the current law to extend their employment indefinitely, rather than being capped at four years. The policy directly affects retired Legislative staff who meet the age, part-time, and non-prearranged retirement conditions. It does not apply to former legislators themselves.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases the daily vehicle traffic limit for municipalities and counties to install certain speed humps (specifically flat-topped speed tables ≥10 feet) without New Jersey's Department of Transportation (DOT) approval. It raises the threshold from 3,000 to 4,000 vehicles per day on residential streets (two-lane or one-way) and within 500 feet of schools or school properties. Municipalities may now install these flat-topped speed tables without DOT approval on eligible streets meeting the higher traffic threshold, while standard speed humps still require the lower 3,000-vehicle limit. The bill directly affects local governments planning traffic calming measures on residential streets near schools or in business districts.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all New Jersey state agencies and local governments (including counties, municipalities, school districts, and public authorities) to purchase 5% of their goods and services from the Central Nonprofit Agency (CNA). The CNA distributes products made at rehabilitation facilities that employ people with disabilities. Key provisions include mandating training for purchasing agents on the CNA program, requiring quarterly reporting on compliance, and granting the CNA a "right of first refusal" for goods/services if priced within 15% of fair market value. The law aims to support employment for people with disabilities by ensuring a steady market for goods produced at rehabilitation facilities.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Division of Medical Assistance and Health Services (DHS) and the State Board of Medical Examiners to create a faster process for reviewing applications from doctors who want to join NJ FamilyCare (the state's Medicaid and children's health insurance program). Specifically, the medical board must share a physician's license number with DHS within 5 days of issuing it (or provide denial documentation within 5 days if licensure is denied), and DHS must begin processing applications immediately if they include license details or proof of pending licensure. DHS must also notify applicants within 10 days of receiving the license number if additional documents are needed. The bill does not change existing licensing or enrollment requirements and clarifies that approval cannot be granted before DHS receives a National Provider Identifier number.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands New Jersey's STEM teacher grant program to include retired teachers who receive retirement benefits from the Teachers' Pension Fund. It adds a specific payment formula for retired teachers (based on statewide average salary × teaching hours × 1.25) and allows teachers in broader STEM fields beyond traditional science/math. The $3.5 million appropriation funds direct payments to eligible teachers (both current and retired) for teaching STEM classes at participating nonpublic schools, replacing previous school district-administered payments. This change aims to increase access to STEM education by incentivizing retired educators to continue teaching.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A5422) allows businesses registered with New Jersey's Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services to opt into receiving updates about new regulations and economic incentives via email instead of paper mail. It directly affects businesses required to register with the Division (including corporations, partnerships, and sole proprietorships, but excluding nonprofits and government agencies). Key provisions include: businesses can provide an email address during registration or renewal to receive digital notifications, the Division shares these emails with the Department of Labor for communication, and businesses can later switch back to paper mail by requesting it. The bill replaces mandatory paper notices with an electronic option while maintaining the ability to revert to traditional mail.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows adults, emancipated minors, and their authorized representatives (like parents or legal guardians) to create a formal written directive preventing healthcare providers from prescribing or administering opioids. The directive must be created using a form developed by the New Jersey Department of Health and entered into the patient's electronic health record. Healthcare providers are protected from liability or disciplinary action for following the directive in good faith, though opioids may still be prescribed if medically necessary. Individuals can revoke the directive at any time, either orally or in writing.