Rep. Bob Auth

Maddy summaryThis bill directs New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to use funds from a settlement with 3M Company to address PFAS contamination. It creates a dedicated "PFAS Settlement Remediation Fund" to pay for water filtration systems, equipment, and remediation efforts. The fund specifically covers DEP-purchased equipment and reimburses local governments (counties, municipalities) for their eligible PFAS cleanup costs. All spending must follow clear reimbursement processes, with annual reports tracking how funds are used for drinking water filtration or broader PFAS remediation.

Maddy summaryThis bill limits the duration of emergency orders, rules, or regulations issued by New Jersey's Governor under the Civil Defense Act to 14 days (expiring on the 15th day), unless the Legislature passes a concurrent resolution extending the period. It prohibits the Governor from issuing identical or similar orders for the same emergency after one expires. Exceptions include orders rescinding prior emergency actions, federal compliance requirements, internal government operations, military orders under the Governor's command, or orders under other laws allowing longer terms. The bill applies directly to the Governor's emergency authority and takes immediate effect.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a minimum daily reimbursement rate of $950 for pediatric skilled care nursing facilities (SCNFs) participating in New Jersey's Medicaid or NJ FamilyCare programs. It directly affects four facilities providing specialized long-term care to medically fragile children and youth up to age 21: the Pediatric Long Term Care Center (Mountainside/Toms River), Phoenix Center (Haskell), and Voorhees Pediatric Facility. Facilities must comply with state/federal licensure, safety, and quality standards to qualify for this rate. The bill appropriates necessary funds from the General Fund to cover this reimbursement increase.

Maddy summaryThis bill adds postpartum depression services to New Jersey's statewide behavioral health crisis system. It requires the Commissioner of Human Services to contract with 24/7 crisis hotline centers that handle 9-8-8 calls, specifically including postpartum depression support, and coordinate mobile crisis teams for in-person help. The centers must meet national standards, provide culturally competent care, and refer callers with children to family services. The bill directly affects New Jersey residents experiencing postpartum depression who previously lacked dedicated crisis pathways within the behavioral health system.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands New Jersey's Regulatory Flexibility Act to require state agencies to assess how proposed rules impact small businesses (defined as those with under 100 employees or $6 million in annual sales). Agencies must now minimize economic burdens through tailored compliance options, simplified reporting, and performance-based standards - without compromising public health or safety. It also mandates agencies to review existing rules every seven years and creates a 90-day petition process for small businesses to challenge rules they claim unfairly harm them. The law aims to reduce regulatory costs while maintaining statutory goals.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill requires residential buildings with living space above ground level to install window-based fire escape mechanisms (like anchor plates, hooks, and ropes) for safe egress during fires when ground exits are blocked. It directly affects residential property owners, landlords, and sellers who must comply before leasing, selling, or changing occupancy. The law mandates certification by fire safety officials before sales/leases and imposes fines up to $1,000 for violations of the escape mechanism requirement, while building on existing rules for smoke alarms and fire extinguishers. Enforcement occurs through municipal inspections or fire code officials, with penalties collectible by local agencies.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's A-1847 prohibits licensed health care professionals (including doctors, nurses, and therapists) from providing gender-affirming medical care - such as hormone therapy or surgery - to individuals under 21 years old. The bill defines these services as medical, surgical, or therapeutic care related to gender identity, excluding mental health or psychiatric services. Violations would result in professional disciplinary action under existing laws. The law takes immediate effect and applies to all covered health care providers statewide.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the "New Jersey Anti-Semitism Task Force" within the Department of State, establishing a permanent 18-member group to address anti-Semitism. The task force includes legislative leaders, representatives from Jewish organizations (like Hadassah and the Anti-Defamation League), law enforcement (State Police and Bias Crimes Unit), and public members appointed by officials. Its core duty is to research anti-Semitic incidents and develop recommendations to protect Jewish communities, synagogues, and institutions. The bill cites rising anti-Semitic incidents in New Jersey (including 200 reported in 2018) as the basis for this action.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey bill A184 would allow vehicle owners to apply for special license plates displaying "Protect the Second Amendment" with a $50 application fee and $10 annual renewal fee. Proceeds from these fees would fund state-owned gun ranges through a dedicated "Second Amendment License Plate Fund," with initial program costs covered by private donations (capped at $25,000) rather than public funds. The bill directly affects New Jersey motor vehicle owners who choose to purchase these plates, while establishing clear fee structures and fund allocation mechanisms.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 1273) would require local governments to notify municipal governing bodies when a sex offender registers in their area and prohibit certain sex offenders from living within 500 feet of schools, childcare centers, or playgrounds. It directly affects sex offenders convicted of crimes against minors under 18, local municipalities (through notification duties), and facilities where children gather. Key provisions include mandating police to forward offender addresses to town councils and banning residence near child-congregate areas, with exceptions for existing homes, correctional facilities, or court/parole board-approved cases. The bill expands New Jersey’s Megan’s Law to enhance public safety by restricting where certain sex offenders can live.