Asm. Dan Hutchison

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all New Jersey public and nonpublic schools participating in federal meal programs to provide free breakfast and lunch to every enrolled student, regardless of household income or federal eligibility status. It eliminates the current requirement for schools to verify family income or collect household data to determine meal eligibility. The policy change applies directly to all students in participating schools and replaces the existing income-based system with universal provision. The bill amends existing statutes to remove income verification requirements for meal eligibility under the National School Lunch Program and federal School Breakfast Program.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new disorderly persons offense for individuals who wear masks or disguises with the purpose of instilling fear, hindering prosecution, or avoiding arrest while committing another crime under New Jersey law. It specifically exempts people wearing masks for medical, religious, or expressive reasons (like cultural practices or health protection). To be charged under this law, a person must already face charges for the underlying crime and must have worn the mask/disguise during its commission. Violations carry penalties of up to six months in jail, a $1,000 fine, or both, and the offense cannot be merged with other criminal charges for sentencing.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) to create an online application system for residents to obtain REAL ID-compliant identification cards and driver's licenses. It directly affects New Jersey residents who need these federally recognized IDs for activities like boarding domestic flights or entering federal buildings. The key provision mandates the MVC to accept digital copies of required identity and residency documents through its website, while ensuring applications meet federal REAL ID standards. The MVC must also establish privacy safeguards for personal information processed online, with rules to be adopted within 60 days of the bill's enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Governor's Survivor Leader Advisory Council within New Jersey's Department of Health to address human trafficking risks associated with the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The council, composed of nine members including trafficking survivors and a law enforcement officer, will evaluate existing laws, review assistance programs, develop public awareness campaigns (including toll-free hotline signage), and submit a report with recommendations to the Governor and Legislature within 180 days. The bill appropriates $1 million from the state's General Fund to fund the council's operations, with the council's work ending upon report submission or one year after the World Cup, whichever occurs later. This directly affects New Jersey's state response to trafficking during the event, focusing on prevention, victim support, and coordination.

Maddy summaryThis bill imposes a 30% surtax on electric public utilities in New Jersey with taxable income exceeding 20% above their five-year average. It directly affects electric utilities that transmit and distribute electricity within the state, requiring them to pay this additional tax on their "windfall income" (the portion of income above the 20% threshold). The surtax is paid in addition to regular corporate taxes, with no credits allowed except for payment-related adjustments. All revenue collected, excluding funds for open space/farmland preservation, must be distributed proportionally to the utility’s ratepayers via the Board of Public Utilities.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires electric utilities in New Jersey to create a plan for sharing outage-related information via their existing social media accounts and text messaging services. Specifically, utilities must provide public details during power outages about warming centers, device charging stations, and locations offering drinking water and ice - including addresses, operating hours, and availability dates. The Office of Emergency Management and other emergency agencies may also share this information through their own digital channels. The mandate applies to all electric public utilities and takes effect immediately upon passage. It does not require new infrastructure, only the use of utilities’ currently available digital communication tools.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs New Jersey's Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to create a program enabling gas public utilities to invest in renewable natural gas (RNG) infrastructure and procure RNG. It directly affects gas utilities (like gas companies) and their ratepayers (customers who pay gas bills). Key provisions require the BPU to establish a ratemaking mechanism allowing utilities to recover all prudently incurred costs - such as capital investments in RNG infrastructure, operating expenses, and RNG procurement costs - from customers through regular rate adjustments. The BPU must approve both the program and cost recovery mechanism, ensuring rates reflect actual costs while protecting ratepayers.

Maddy summaryBill A2754 requires public utilities in New Jersey to provide clearer notice to customers before rate increases take effect. Specifically, utilities must send affected customers a plain-language summary of the Board of Public Utilities' final decision on rate petitions 30 days before new rates begin if approved, or within 14 days if denied. The bill also mandates that utilities notify customers of rate increase petitions via bill inserts or local newspaper ads, including the filing's purpose and impact. Additionally, it requires the Board to respond in writing to public questions asked during rate hearings within 14 days after the final hearing. This bill focuses on transparency and customer communication for all public utilities covered under New Jersey law.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 1303) strengthens tenant protections in New Jersey by restricting how landlords screen applicants and clarifying court procedures for habitability issues. Landlords cannot consider most past housing court cases when evaluating tenants (only recent judgments for eviction under specific conditions), must provide written reasons for denials including screening details, and face fines of $1,000+ for violations. It also clarifies that tenants or officials can seek court orders to fix unsafe living conditions (like lack of heat or plumbing) without requiring upfront rent deposits, and that such cases may be based on the basic right to habitable housing. The bill directly affects residential landlords and tenants in New Jersey, particularly those involved in housing court or habitability complaints.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution, not a policy bill. It formally expresses the New Jersey General Assembly's appreciation to all its staff members - including the Chief Clerk, committee staff, administrative personnel, and others - for their dedication and service during legislative sessions. The resolution commends their "outstanding dedication, cooperation, and excellent work" in supporting the Assembly's operations. It requires the Clerk to send copies of the resolution to every staff member. As a procedural measure, it has no legal effect or policy changes.