Asm. Cody Miller

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a formal process for public universities in New Jersey to merge or consolidate with other public universities or certain private degree-granting institutions. It requires participating institutions to first obtain governing board resolutions and submit a joint application to the Secretary of Higher Education for preliminary approval within 30 days. The Secretary then reviews the merger plan (including impacts on students, faculty, and communities) and issues final approval or disapproval, after which the Legislature has 90 days to disapprove via concurrent resolution. If the Legislature takes no action, the merger proceeds. The process applies to most public institutions but excludes Rutgers and pre-existing merger agreements.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) to study within 60 days whether it can implement an electronic system for processing vehicle liens and titles, replacing the current paper-based system. If the MVC lacks resources, it must contract with a qualified vendor under specific terms: a 7-year agreement, no cost to the state (with the vendor reimbursing implementation costs), and fees for lienholders. Within one year of the system launching, most lienholders (including banks and lenders) must use the electronic system, with exemptions for individuals and non-business lienholders. The bill focuses on transitioning to digital records while ensuring the state incurs no costs for implementation.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the sale of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) products containing amounts above commission-set limits unless sold by a licensed business. It directly affects retailers selling THC products (including delta-8, delta-9, and similar compounds) and bans sales to anyone under 21. The Cannabis Regulatory Commission will set specific limits, require licenses for sales above those limits, and enforce penalties for violations. Pending license applications allow temporary sales during processing, but unlicensed sales exceeding limits or to minors remain illegal.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey public colleges to provide a replacement scholarship to student-athletes who lose their athletic scholarship due to an injury or illness directly related to intercollegiate athletics. If the injury makes a student-athlete medically ineligible to compete (as determined by the institution's medical staff), the school must offer a scholarship equal in value for the remainder of their undergraduate degree program or up to five years total - whichever is shorter. It specifically applies to student-athletes enrolled at public institutions of higher education in New Jersey. The law defines "incapacitating injury or illness" as one directly tied to athletic participation that causes medical ineligibility for competition.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all New Jersey hospitals providing inpatient maternity services and licensed birthing centers to offer new parents who have given birth either: (1) an in-person lactation consultation before discharge, or (2) a remote consultation via live voice if requested. The counseling must include breastfeeding education, support, care planning, demonstration of breastfeeding techniques, recommendations for assistive devices, and health benefit information. It defines "lactation counselor" and "lactation consultant" to include certified professionals like IBCLCs without requiring additional nursing licensure. The law applies to facilities licensed under New Jersey's birthing center regulations and aims to standardize postpartum lactation support.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey's brewery licensing laws to permit certain licensed breweries to sell alcoholic beverages by the glass for on-premises consumption in designated salesrooms. Specifically, it expands the "Limited brewery license" (Section 1b) to allow license holders to sell up to 15.5 fluid gallons per person for off-premises consumption and to offer samples, while maintaining existing restrictions on food sales. The provision directly affects licensed breweries seeking to sell directly to consumers in tasting rooms or sales facilities. Note: The bill's title incorrectly references "wineries," but the text applies only to breweries producing malt alcoholic beverages, not wine producers. This bill was withdrawn after being enacted as P.L.2025, c.376.

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies that home improvement and home elevation contractors in New Jersey must be licensed by the state board or work under a licensed supervisor. It directly affects contractors performing these services by requiring compliance with licensing rules, eliminating unlicensed work. The key provision specifies that unlicensed individuals cannot perform such work directly, ensuring all contractors meet state standards. This aligns with existing licensing requirements under current law, removing ambiguity about who may legally provide these services.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires public utilities in New Jersey to include a clear bill insert for customers affected by any rate increase approved by the Board of Public Utilities. The insert must list each specific rate or fee change in plain language (in both English and Spanish, 12-point font) and explain the reason for the increase. It directly affects residential and business customers whose bills include approved rate hikes. The bill aims to improve transparency in utility billing practices by making rate changes easier for customers to understand.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 3253) directs New Jersey's Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to create two new programs: 1) A fixed monthly incentive for owners of geothermal energy systems (which use the earth’s constant temperature to heat/cool buildings), available to residential, commercial, industrial, and government entities, funded through existing energy program fees. 2) A grant program to help counties and municipalities join or maintain government energy aggregation programs (which pool buying power for cheaper electricity). The incentives must mirror solar energy program value, and both programs must be established within 18 months of the bill’s effective date. It directly affects property owners, local governments, and utilities by expanding clean energy adoption and aggregation options.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill requires all colleges and universities to install automatic external defibrillators (AEDs) in unlocked, clearly marked locations within every athletic facility and student center. The AEDs must be accessible during facility operating hours and within reasonable distance of athletic fields. Institutions must also ensure at least two staff members trained in CPR and AED use are present during operations, and that all AEDs are regularly tested/maintained with emergency services notified of their location and type. The bill grants immunity from civil liability to institutions and staff using AEDs as required.