Asm. Bob Auth

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies that law enforcement officers employed by schools, colleges, or universities may carry firearms on campus during their employment or while commuting to/from work. It defines "law enforcement officer" as someone authorized to enforce laws who has completed a firearms training course approved by the Police Training Commission. The bill specifically permits these officers to possess firearms in campus buildings or grounds without needing additional written authorization from the institution. This clarification does not change general campus firearm restrictions for students, staff, or non-law enforcement personnel.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A 547) requires the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to identify reservoirs with a history of causing downstream flooding and study their capacity and water needs. The DEP must then set maximum water levels for these reservoirs to balance flood prevention with water supply, and require owners to create approved flood action plans - including flood gates - for reservoirs linked to past flooding. The Office of Emergency Management can order reservoir levels lowered during severe weather to prevent flooding, after consulting with the DEP. Reservoir owners who follow approved plans and comply with emergency orders are protected from related lawsuits. The bill directly affects DEP, reservoir owners, and communities downstream of affected reservoirs.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a one-year pilot program to help New Jersey fire departments test new technology for fighting electric vehicle fires. The Division of Fire Safety will award $5,000 grants to county fire marshals or code enforcers (where no marshal exists) to purchase and test emerging fire suppression equipment. Grantees must submit annual reports detailing the technology used, its effectiveness, and whether additional equipment would benefit their department. The program is funded by up to $115,000 from the Universal Service Fund, with $10,000 reserved for program administration. It expires one year after enactment, aiming to address documented challenges in extinguishing high-voltage battery fires.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Division of Developmental Disabilities to create specific guidelines for placing individuals with developmental disabilities in two types of group homes: Level 1 (for minimal challenging behaviors) and Level 2 (for persistent, high-risk behaviors requiring intensive care). It sets clear criteria for placement, including age (21+), residency, and inability to function independently, and mandates that Level 2 placement is required when an individual poses a serious risk of harm to self or others. The guidelines also establish detailed requirements for transitioning individuals from Level 2 to Level 1 group homes, including meeting behavioral goals after 18 months, having support systems in place, and ensuring no ongoing need for Level 2 services. These rules directly affect individuals with developmental disabilities in group home care, the Division of Developmental Disabilities, and group home operators statewide.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the New Jersey Turnpike Authority (NJTA) and South Jersey Transportation Authority (SJTA) to display the exact toll amount paid by E-ZPass users on electronic screens in every toll plaza lane of their systems. It applies to toll plazas on the New Jersey Turnpike, Garden State Parkway, and Atlantic City Expressway, but excludes lanes using high-speed gantries. The requirement ensures drivers see the specific toll charged as they pass through, enhancing transparency for E-ZPass account holders. It does not change toll rates or payment methods, only mandates visible display of the paid amount. The bill is pending in the Assembly Transportation Committee.

Maddy summaryThis is a symbolic resolution (AR 28) passed by the New Jersey Assembly, not a binding law. It urges the federal government to approve construction of oil and natural gas pipelines within the U.S., specifically referencing pipelines that were previously shut down or denied approval (like the Keystone XL Pipeline). The resolution states it seeks to advance U.S. energy independence, lower fuel costs, and reduce reliance on foreign energy sources from regions like Russia and Venezuela. It has no legal effect and does not change any existing pipeline approvals or regulations.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill prevents surprise out-of-network medical bills for emergency care and urgent services. It directly affects consumers who receive emergency treatment at hospitals or providers outside their insurance network, as well as health insurers and healthcare facilities. Key provisions require insurers to pay out-of-network emergency care at the same rate as in-network care (using the highest of three payment options), ban balance billing for emergency services, and create a dispute resolution process for billing disagreements. The law applies specifically to emergency and urgent care services, not routine out-of-network care, and includes protections for self-funded employer health plans. It aims to reduce consumer financial harm while addressing billing disputes between providers and insurers.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases penalties for false alarms targeting places of worship in New Jersey. It amends the state's false alarm law to make such incidents a second-degree crime (carrying 5-10 years in prison or fines up to $150,000), while raising the minimum civil penalty from $2,000 to $5,000 (or actual response costs, whichever is higher). The law specifically defines "place of worship" as a building seating over 50 people used permanently for religious services by a recognized 501(c)(3) organization. It directly affects individuals who falsely report emergencies at churches, synagogues, or temples, and requires law enforcement to report such incidents annually. The bill aims to deter false alarms that disrupt religious gatherings and strain emergency resources.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits New Jersey health insurance companies and other covered health plans from limiting coverage based on the duration of anesthesia services before, during, or after medical or surgical procedures. It directly affects insurance carriers (including health maintenance organizations and hospital service corporations) by requiring them to cover anesthesia services without time-based restrictions. The law uses standard medical coding (from the American Medical Association) to define anesthesia services, ensuring coverage applies to all procedures where anesthesia is used. It takes effect 90 days after enactment for new or renewed insurance policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to reimburse local governments and emergency responders for costs they incur when responding to emergencies in state parks or forests. Specifically, counties, municipalities, fire districts, and other local entities must submit a written invoice with cost documentation within 30 days of an emergency response, and the DEP must process reimbursement within 30 days of receiving the invoice. The law applies only to costs paid after the bill becomes effective, not retroactively. It directly affects local emergency services and fire departments that provide responses within state-managed recreational areas.