Asm. Cody Miller

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 1332) requires New Jersey's Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to create a public information campaign about utility meter calibration and billing. It directly affects all electric, gas, and water utility customers in the state by mandating clear information on: how often meters are tested, who can calibrate them, how to dispute readings or bills, and how to get independent meter accuracy verification. The campaign must provide materials in English and Spanish via websites, printed guides, and a toll-free phone line. The BPU will implement this without changing existing calibration rules or billing procedures.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes new contracting goals for New Jersey state agencies to increase participation by minority and women-owned businesses, based on a 2024 disparity study showing ongoing statistical gaps in public contracting. It requires state agencies and prime contractors to make a "good faith effort" to meet specific targets - 7% for minority-owned businesses and 3% for women-owned businesses - across construction, professional services, and goods/services contracts. The law defines key terms like "minority business" and references the 2024 disparity study as the basis for these goals, which replace previous race-neutral approaches. The bill is pending before the Assembly State and Local Government Committee.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all New Jersey public school districts to teach students in grades 6 through 12 about the responsible use of social media and cell phones, including risks like addiction, cyberbullying, and negative impacts on mental health. It expands current requirements (which only covered grades 6-8 in technology classes) by mandating this instruction within the health education curriculum for all grades 6-12. The curriculum must cover responsible platform use, cyber safety, and the specific consequences of irresponsible use, such as harm to mental health and relationships. School districts must use resources provided by the state education commissioner to implement these lessons.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires construction permit applicants in New Jersey to disclose the anticipated funding sources and amounts for their projects. It applies to most construction projects but excludes single-family homes, routine renovations or repairs of dwelling units, and small-scale alterations (like individual units in buildings with fewer than three units). Applicants must provide this funding information when applying for a permit, and before receiving a certificate of occupancy, they must certify the accuracy of that information or submit updated details. The Commissioner of Community Affairs will develop specific rules within 180 days to implement these requirements.

Maddy summaryThe New Jersey Secretary of Commerce Act establishes a new Department of Commerce as a principal department within the state's Executive Branch, creating the position of Secretary of Commerce. The Secretary, appointed by the Governor with Senate consent, will serve as the state's chief economic advisor, coordinating statewide efforts to promote business growth, job creation, and innovation. The Department will centralize economic development functions previously spread across multiple agencies, acting as the primary liaison for businesses and streamlining state coordination. This bill directly affects state government operations and the business community by providing a dedicated agency for economic development.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires explicit permission (informed consent) before obtaining genetic information from DNA samples, directly affecting individuals, newborns, crime victims, and witnesses. Exceptions include law enforcement using DNA for criminal investigations (with strict limits on victim/witness DNA), existing newborn screening programs, paternity cases, and DNA database submissions. It also restricts sharing genetic data without consent, except in specific legal circumstances like court orders, criminal proceedings, or federal identification purposes. Additionally, it mandates that individuals must be notified when genetic testing occurs and outlines new regulations for consent procedures.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires manufacturers of farm equipment and lawn mowers sold in New Jersey to provide independent repair shops and equipment owners with the same diagnostic tools, repair documentation, and software updates they give to their own authorized repair centers. It mandates that parts, tools, and documentation be sold at "fair and reasonable terms" based on actual costs and market rates, excluding research costs. The law specifically covers farm equipment (like tractors and combines) but excludes regular vehicles, and protects trade secrets while ensuring owners can access security reset documentation. It does not force manufacturers to sell equipment but requires them to make necessary repair resources available to independent providers.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey bill A1319 requires public colleges and universities to create a student withdrawal policy allowing refunds for specific serious personal situations. It mandates that institutions define "extenuating circumstances" (including illness, injury, hospitalization, and mental health issues) and refund tuition/fees if these circumstances prevent a student from receiving education during a semester. The policy must also provide proportional refunds for unused room and board charges and clarify that financial aid refunds follow existing state and federal rules. This policy applies to all public higher education institutions in New Jersey starting with the first full academic year after the bill's enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires certain rooming and boarding houses, as well as cooperative sober living residences, to comply with municipal land use regulations like zoning rules. It specifically mandates that applicants for a state Class F license to operate a cooperative sober living residence must submit written approvals from local zoning, fire, health, and building authorities with their license application. Currently, these facilities were exempt from municipal land use regulations (though subject to construction codes), but this bill removes that exemption for land use. The change directly affects owners and operators of these housing types in New Jersey, requiring new paperwork for state licensing. The bill takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all health insurance policies in New Jersey - covering hospital, medical, and individual/group plans - to cover diagnosis and treatment for Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS) and Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS). It mandates coverage for specific treatments including antibiotics, behavioral therapies, immunomodulating medicines, plasma exchange, and intravenous immunoglobulin therapy, as prescribed by a physician. Insurance plans must provide this coverage "to the same extent as for any other condition," meaning no additional cost-sharing or limitations beyond standard coverage. The requirement applies to all relevant policies renewed or issued in New Jersey after the bill's effective date.