Asm. Dan Hutchison

Maddy summaryThis bill (A1321) requires New Jersey's Department of Health (DOH) to revise its Pandemic Influenza Plan to better prepare for large-scale, long-running flu pandemics. The revision must address federal public health standards, clarify roles for all state agencies during emergencies, improve coordination with local health departments, establish crisis healthcare standards, and address health equity gaps exposed during the COVID-19 pandemic. The DOH must solicit input from local health departments and stakeholders before updating the plan, which will be regularly reviewed and used to design emergency training exercises. The plan directly affects state agencies, local health departments, and healthcare systems responding to pandemic emergencies in New Jersey.

Maddy summaryThis bill bans businesses in New Jersey from owning, controlling, installing, managing, selling, or offering for sale cryptocurrency ATMs. These are defined as physical, internet-connected kiosks that let users buy, sell, or exchange digital currency using cash, debit, or credit cards. The law directly affects businesses operating such kiosks, prohibiting them under the state's consumer fraud act with penalties up to $20,000 per violation. It targets a surge in fraud - citing FTC data showing $110 million in losses linked to these machines in 2023 - aimed at protecting consumers, especially older adults who face higher risks.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits electric utilities from raising residential rates during summer (June 1-August 31) and gas utilities from raising rates during winter (January 1-March 31). It also requires utilities to send residential customers at least 30 days' advance notice via mail or email before any rate increase takes effect. The law directly affects New Jersey households that rely on electric or gas utilities for home energy. Key provisions include seasonal rate increase bans and mandatory notice requirements, aiming to protect consumers from unexpected cost spikes during peak usage periods. The bill takes immediate effect upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey counties, municipalities, and certain public authorities (like tourism districts) to use cooperative purchasing systems when buying energy-related goods and services, such as electricity or equipment. It directs these "contracting units" to leverage shared purchasing agreements to achieve cost savings, rather than making individual purchases. The law amends existing procurement rules to specifically apply cooperative purchasing to energy-related contracts, excluding private firms or entities already under separate service agreements. This policy change aims to standardize cost-saving practices for local government energy spending. The bill is currently pending in the Assembly State and Local Government Committee.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes New Jersey's "Resident Firefighter Grant Program" to provide funding for fire districts to create or expand programs where firefighters live at fire stations in exchange for free housing. The program, administered by the Division of Fire Safety, allocates grants for constructing dormitories (including kitchens), providing amenities, and offering incentives to resident firefighters. Fire districts must apply for grants, with funds distributed equitably across northern, central, and southern regions. The bill requires the state to request at least $5 million annually for these grants and pursue additional federal or private funding. (Bill introduced January 13, 2026; no votes recorded yet.)

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits operating drones below 250 feet over school property without permission. Specifically, it makes it a disorderly persons offense to use a drone for surveillance, hover over school grounds, or use school buildings as takeoff/landing areas without the superintendent's written authorization. The law applies to all public and nonpublic K-12 schools in New Jersey. Violations carry penalties of up to six months in jail, a $1,000 fine, or both. The bill aims to protect student safety and privacy by restricting unauthorized drone activity near schools.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill modifies health care benefit rules for elected public officials. It removes part-time elected officials (those working fewer than 35 hours weekly) from eligibility for employer-paid health care coverage. The bill also prohibits all elected officials from receiving any payment from their employer for waiving health coverage, including those who had previously waived coverage. Additionally, it codifies the Pension Fraud and Abuse Unit as a permanent state entity.

Maddy summaryThis bill would have established criminal penalties (fourth-degree crimes) for employers who knowingly falsify payroll records required under New Jersey's Prevailing Wage Act or make false statements on public works contractor registration forms. It directly affects employers working on public construction projects subject to prevailing wage requirements. Currently, such violations are punishable only as minor offenses (up to 90 days in jail), but this bill would have increased penalties to up to 18 months in jail or $10,000 fines. The bill was withdrawn on January 13, 2026, as it was approved as part of P.L.2025, c.356, meaning the changes are now law.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Health (DOH) to form formal partnerships with businesses, community groups, healthcare facilities, universities, and other stakeholders to strengthen emergency responses during public health crises. It directs the DOH to identify critical resources and at-risk populations, then develop collaborative response plans, joint training exercises, and systems for sharing partnership data. The law mandates these partnerships to improve the state's ability to coordinate rapid, effective crisis management across multiple sectors. It directly affects the DOH, its partner organizations, and communities most vulnerable during emergencies like pandemics or natural disasters. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs New Jersey's Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to create rules for small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs), defined as reactors under 300 megawatts capacity requiring U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission licensing. It authorizes the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (EDA) to use 60% of funds from the Global Warming Solutions Fund to provide grants and financial incentives for the construction and operation of SMRs. The policy directly affects commercial entities building or operating these reactors, with funding prioritizing projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions or energy demand. The bill establishes a concrete mechanism for state support of SMR development through EDA’s grant programs, without specifying project outcomes.