Asm. Pam Lampitt

Maddy summaryThis bill requires state-funded transportation projects (like roads or bridges) to use geotechnical engineers to determine necessary soil, groundwater, and structural monitoring. It mandates groundwater testing before construction begins and ongoing monitoring if site conditions require it (capped at three years), plus deformation monitoring during and after construction if needed. The Department of Transportation must follow all internal standards for subsurface data and cannot waive these requirements without approval. This directly affects state agencies and contractors managing transportation projects funded by New Jersey resources, including the Transportation Trust Fund.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the State Treasurer to sell the former Riverfront State Prison property (16.5 acres) in Camden as surplus state property. The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) will purchase the "NJEDA Site" for up to $5 million or the appraised value, while the City of Camden receives the "City Site" for $1 - on the condition that Camden later sells its "Southwest Site" parcel to the NJEDA. The sale bypasses prior approval requirements from the State House Commission or Legislature, repealing a 2013 law that previously attempted to facilitate this sale but failed to transfer title. The property is split into defined parcels for redevelopment, with the City Site requiring preservation for public parks or recreation.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows commercial farms on preserved farmland (that produce at least $10,000 annually in agricultural products) to host special occasion events like weddings and parties on their land. It specifically permits the use of permanent structures built within the last five years for these events, provided the total revenue from such events doesn't exceed 10% of the farm's annual revenue. Farms must obtain approval from the entity holding the farmland preservation deed, and events are limited to 26 per year with restrictions on size (max 10 acres or 10% of land) and guest numbers (max 250 for six events). Temporary structures like tents are allowed year-round with certain restrictions, while permanent structures built more than five years ago can always be used.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires mental health services in New Jersey to be provided in a culturally affirming and linguistically appropriate manner for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. It mandates that services be delivered in the client's primary method of communication, as determined by the client's preference or a communication assessment, and that mental health professionals be certified as fluent in that method. The bill establishes a deaf services coordinator position within the Department of Human Services to oversee implementation, develop certification standards for professionals, and ensure access to services statewide, including through telemedicine in underserved areas. It also requires the development of a statewide system of care with specific standards for communication accessibility and cultural competence in mental health services.

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies that New Jersey's existing law requiring private career schools to have orderly closure plans - including a teach-out plan for student transfers - applies to cosmetology and hairstyling schools licensed by the New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling. It mandates the Board to develop a standard model teach-out plan by September 1, 2023, to help students transfer to another school if their program closes abruptly. The law applies retroactively to September 1, 2021, ensuring these schools must now comply with closure requirements for all closures occurring on or after that date.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a certification process for shampoo technicians in New Jersey, who provide basic hair washing services (like shampooing and conditioning) in licensed salons but do not pursue a full cosmetology license. To become certified, individuals must complete a 40-hour training program approved by the State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling (either through a licensed school or a licensed shop) and pass a practical exam. The State Board issues a biennial certification requiring reasonable fees for initial certification, renewal, and reactivation after expiration (with reactivation after 10+ years requiring retaking the exam). The bill also prohibits examiners affiliated with a school from grading students from that same school and sets standards for training providers and examiners.

Maddy summarySJR 76 designates the second Friday in December each year as "PSRPs in Our Schools Day" in New Jersey to recognize paraprofessionals and school-related personnel (PSRPs). This resolution honors PSRPs, including instructional aides, bus drivers, cafeteria workers, and custodial staff, who support students through tutoring, classroom assistance, meal preparation, facility maintenance, and student transportation. The resolution does not create new programs or funding but calls for the Governor, Legislature, and citizens to observe and acknowledge these staff members' contributions. It takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey telecom, cable, and internet providers to let customers pause or cancel service contracts without early termination fees when they move into a qualifying long-term care facility. It directly affects residents admitted to nursing homes, assisted living facilities, dementia care homes, or residential health care facilities for at least 90 days, as verified by a physician’s order or care plan. Providers must pause billing for a minimum 90 days upon admission, then cancel the contract if the resident remains in the facility beyond that period. The law mandates no fees for this pause/cancellation, though customers must provide physician documentation and typically give 45 days’ notice (or 48 hours in urgent cases).

Maddy summaryAJR 89 is a symbolic joint resolution passed by the New Jersey legislature that unconditionally condemns all forms of hate, hate-based violence, and bias crimes targeting individuals based on race, religion, ethnicity, disability, age, marital status, gender, or sexual orientation. It does not create new laws or allocate funds but urges the Governor and Attorney General to continue existing efforts like supporting victims, improving hate crime reporting, enhancing security at vulnerable sites, and researching solutions. The resolution emphasizes New Jersey’s commitment to protecting citizens from hatred and promoting an inclusive community, reflecting the state’s ongoing stance against bias-motivated incidents. As a procedural resolution, it has no direct legal effect on individuals or policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the "New Jersey Target Zero Commission" within the Department of Transportation, consisting of 13 state agency representatives (including Transportation, Health, and Public Safety officials). The commission’s primary duty is to develop a statewide action plan by 2040 aimed at eliminating traffic fatalities and serious injuries through engineering, education, and enforcement strategies focused on equitable road safety for all users. Key mechanisms include creating a public data portal for crash statistics, requiring annual public hearings and reports to the Governor and Legislature, and advising on policy changes to support safer transportation infrastructure. The commission must adopt its action plan within 12 months of the bill’s effective date and host public feedback sessions before finalizing it. This is a procedural bill creating a study body, not a direct policy change.