Asm. Bill Spearman

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Office of Information Technology to create a centralized online hub called "Go NJ" that integrates multiple state government websites and services into a single platform. It directly affects the Office of Information Technology (which must build the hub) and state agencies (whose websites will be integrated), while benefiting individuals, businesses, and organizations seeking state services. Key provisions mandate the hub to centralize access to information on business permits, tax forms, environmental regulations, grants, and other services, with design requirements for mobile/desktop use and accessibility for users of all technical skill levels. The bill does not impose new rules on state agencies but requires their existing online resources to be consolidated under this unified portal.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the New Jersey Out-of-School Time Advisory Commission to review before-school, after-school, and summer programs statewide. The 20-member commission includes state agency leaders, legislative appointees, and representatives from child care organizations, educators, and researchers. Its key duties are to assess current programs, develop statewide standards, examine funding sources, and evaluate program quality across urban, suburban, and rural areas. The commission must submit an interim report within one year and a final report within two years, after which it will expire. The bill directly affects all organizations providing out-of-school time programs in New Jersey by setting a framework for their review and improvement.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to create an "Interim Alternative ZEV Compliance Program" within one year of enactment. It applies to vehicle manufacturers selling passenger vehicles and light-duty trucks in New Jersey, specifically for model years 2027 through 2031. The key provision allows manufacturers to opt into this program instead of meeting strict zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) sales quotas, enabling them to offer dealers a portfolio of ZEVs based on actual consumer demand rather than mandatory sales targets. This change provides manufacturers a compliance pathway while maintaining the state's emissions goals under the California Low Emission Vehicle program.

Maddy summaryThis bill dedicates a portion of wine sales tax revenue to the "Jersey Fresh Program Fund." Specifically, it requires the State Treasurer to deposit $0.21875 per gallon from wine, vermouth, and sparkling wine sales by licensed wineries into the fund, equaling 25% of that tax. The money will fund the Jersey Fresh branding program, which promotes locally grown New Jersey agricultural products like fruits, vegetables, seafood, and processed foods through advertising and marketing. This expands the fund's current sources, which previously relied on voluntary contributions via income tax returns.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a program to promote New Jersey-made craft alcoholic beverages and the retailers that sell them. It creates a "Certified Jersey Craft Alcohol Beverage Retailer" designation for stores selling at least 10% of their alcohol revenue from NJ craft producers (like breweries, cideries, or distilleries), and provides grants of up to $2,500 annually to these retailers for marketing, equipment, or facility improvements. The program is funded by 50% of tax revenue from craft beverage sales, plus potential state funds, administered by the Economic Development Authority. It directly affects NJ craft beverage producers and qualifying retail license holders who meet the sales threshold.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Board of Public Utilities (BPU) and Environmental Department to conduct a study of wave and tidal energy potential after completing a pilot project. Within 15 months of the pilot's completion, they must submit a report with specific generation targets (in megawatts) for wave and tidal energy by 2030, 2040, and 2050. The report will guide updates to the state's Energy Master Plan to incorporate these goals, alongside exploring incentives like renewable energy credits. The legislation aims to position New Jersey as a national leader in ocean energy development while advancing the state's clean energy targets.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A4652) creates a new offense for "inciting a public brawl" when someone purposefully organizes or promotes a group of four or more people to engage in disorderly conduct. It upgrades penalties for disrupting public gatherings or events, making such conduct a "disorderly persons offense" (up to 6 months jail or $1,000 fine) instead of a lesser "petty disorderly persons offense." The bill also adds a provision penalizing people who conceal their identity during disorderly conduct to avoid arrest. These changes directly affect individuals organizing group disturbances or attempting to hide their identity at public events. The law amends New Jersey statutes N.J.S.2C:33-1 and N.J.S.2C:33-2.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A5545) changes New Jersey law to allow soil conservation districts to have more than five supervisors, removing the current fixed limit. It gives the State Soil Conservation Committee the authority to set a maximum number of supervisors for each district based on local needs. The change affects all 20 New Jersey soil conservation districts, which currently must have exactly five supervisors appointed by the committee. The amendment updates R.S. 4:24-18 to state districts must have "at least five" supervisors, with the committee determining the maximum.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey bill A4753 requires hospitals and birthing facilities to show new parents (and any adult family members present at birth) a water safety video before discharge. The video covers drowning risks in bathtubs and pools, importance of swimming instruction, life jacket use, and pool safety features like fences. Facilities must incorporate this video into standard discharge procedures, with the Department of Health creating and distributing the video via its website or electronic means. This applies to all licensed birthing facilities providing newborn care in the state.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (AR 193) expresses New Jersey's support for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and condemns federal budget cuts that would reduce SNAP funding by $300 billion over ten years. It urges the U.S. Senate to reject these cuts, noting that nearly 850,000 New Jersey residents - including vulnerable groups like seniors, children, veterans, and the disabled - rely on SNAP benefits to address food insecurity. The resolution specifically references the House of Representatives' May 22, 2025, vote approving these cuts as unconscionable.