Asm. Cody Miller

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates funds to New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to provide zero-interest loans or principal forgiveness for clean water and drinking water infrastructure projects. It authorizes funding for 156 specific clean water projects and 72 drinking water projects across the state, totaling approximately $2.6 billion in estimated loan amounts. The funding is intended to help municipalities and public water utilities finance infrastructure improvements that reduce pollution, improve water quality, and address environmental challenges. The bill includes specific provisions for varying levels of principal forgiveness based on project type and community need, with a focus on making these projects more affordable for local governments.

Maddy summaryThe Next New Jersey Program Act establishes a tax credit program administered by the New Jersey Economic Development Authority to attract artificial intelligence (AI) investments to the state. Eligible businesses must make a minimum $100 million capital investment and create at least 100 new full-time jobs in AI-related activities, where at least 50% of employees or revenue comes from AI operations. The tax credit amount equals the lesser of 0.1% of capital investment multiplied by new jobs, 25% of capital investment, or $250 million. This program allocates up to $500 million in tax credits originally designated for the New Jersey Aspire Program and Emerge Program specifically for qualifying AI businesses.

Maddy summaryThis resolution urges generative AI and content-sharing platforms to voluntarily commit to preventing and removing harmful "deepfake" and "cheapfake" content. It directly affects major AI and social media companies by asking them to proactively address artificially created media that manipulates reality (like fake videos or audio of people saying/doin things they never did). The key mechanism requires platforms to make voluntary commitments to remove such content, with copies of the resolution sent to company CEOs. The resolution defines harmful content as AI-generated media that appears authentic but depicts false speech or conduct, noting its use in blackmail, misinformation, and reputational harm. It emphasizes that this is a non-binding request, aligning with similar efforts in other states and federal initiatives.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires social media companies with at least 5 million global users to implement specific safety measures for minors. Key provisions include developing algorithms to detect inappropriate adult-minor interactions (like private messaging), creating real-time monitoring systems to flag and report such activity, and restricting minors' accounts from appearing in search results unless the searcher is already connected to them. It also mandates geo-fencing to block minors from accessing inappropriate content and requires verification (via government ID) for accounts using a minor's name or likeness in over 25% of sponsored content, adding a public "adult" banner to verified accounts. Enforcement falls to New Jersey's Division of Consumer Affairs, with fines up to $2,500 per violation or private lawsuits allowing individuals to seek $2,500 per violation or actual damages.

Maddy summaryAJR 188 designates March 31 of each year as "Jack Antonoff Day" in New Jersey to honor the musician and producer Jack Antonoff, who was born in Bergenfield, New Jersey, and is known for his work with artists like Taylor Swift and his founding of the Ally Coalition supporting LGBTQ youth. The resolution requests the Governor issue an annual proclamation encouraging public recognition of the day through community activities. This is a ceremonial designation with no legal or financial impact, solely intended to acknowledge Antonoff's cultural contributions and advocacy.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a state grant program to help fire districts create or expand resident firefighter programs. It directly affects fire districts by providing funds to build or improve housing facilities (like dormitories with kitchens) and offer amenities for firefighters who live at fire stations in exchange for their duties. Grants can cover construction, supplies, and incentives, with the state required to request at least $5 million annually for the program. The Division of Fire Safety will manage applications, ensure equitable regional distribution of funds, and monitor grant usage.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires veterinarians to provide clear, written disclosures to pet owners before rabies testing on dead domestic companion animals. It mandates specific information about testing reasons, protocols for handling and disposing of the animal's body (including head removal), and prohibits misrepresentation using euphemisms. Veterinarians must also distribute a pamphlet and display a poster about rabies testing protocols to pet owners at the time of rabies vaccination. Additionally, the bill establishes an optional, trauma-informed mental health training program for veterinarians, developed in consultation with state health agencies. These provisions directly affect veterinarians, pet owners, and the Departments of Health and Consumer Affairs.

Maddy summaryThe New Jersey Works Act provides tax credits to businesses that fund pre-employment training programs with educational institutions or nonprofits. Businesses can receive a tax credit equal to 100% of the financial assistance they provide for approved programs that offer at least 12 weeks of paid training at minimum wage to low- and moderate-income individuals. These programs must include training in basic skills, communication, critical thinking, and job readiness. The bill appropriates $3 million from the General Fund to implement the program and requires a two-year evaluation of its effectiveness, excluding construction businesses from participation.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A4538) caps annual tuition increases for in-state undergraduate students at New Jersey's public colleges and universities at 2% above the previous year's rate. It directly affects public institutions of higher education and resident undergraduate students by restricting how much tuition can rise each academic year. The law takes effect immediately for the first full academic year after enactment, applying to all public higher education institutions in New Jersey.

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies that agreements between insurance policyholders ("subscribers") and their appointed representatives ("attorney in fact") are not considered "related party transactions" under New Jersey law. It directly affects policyholders who use appointed representatives to manage insurance contracts, removing the need for additional regulatory scrutiny typically applied to related party deals. The key provision amends existing insurance law to explicitly exclude these specific contracts and associated fees from related party transaction rules. This change simplifies regulatory compliance for policyholders and their representatives without altering insurance operations.