Asm. Andrea Katz

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to revise community solar program targets to add 3,000 megawatts of solar capacity, to be registered by December 31, 2029. The BPU must open registration for this capacity by August 1, 2025, and accept applications until the target is met or the deadline passes. The bill also removes the previous annual goal of 150 megawatts for the program. It maintains existing requirements for low and moderate income customer participation and project standards, including access to solar energy and monthly reporting.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires public schools to provide parents of special education students with a written summary of topics to be discussed at annual IEP meetings at least two business days in advance. The summary must include the student’s current academic/functional performance, a list of any excused IEP team members with their input, and an invitation for parent feedback. It also establishes an IEP Improvement Working Group within the New Jersey Department of Education, composed of educators, administrators, parents, and disability experts. The group must research best practices, examine disparities between school districts, and submit recommendations to improve IEP development and parental involvement within four months of organizing.

Maddy summaryThis bill revises New Jersey's Athletic Training Licensure Act to modernize the profession's regulations. It updates the definition of "athletic training" to include services for individuals generally (not just athletes), covering injury prevention, health management, evaluation, and rehabilitation. The bill removes outdated references to "athletes" throughout the law and clarifies that athletic trainers cannot diagnose medical conditions or perform services outside their scope. It also updates licensing requirements to require degrees from programs meeting CAATE standards and mandates that licensed athletic trainers display their license when providing services. The bill repeals a section restricting athletic trainers from performing physical therapy procedures for reimbursement.

Maddy summaryThis Assembly Resolution (AR 180) urges New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), Pinelands Commission, and Highlands Water Protection and Planning Council to use alternative forest management practices - like ecological thinning - during droughts when prescribed burning is unsafe. It directly affects these state environmental agencies responsible for managing forest lands, which cover 40% of New Jersey and provide critical environmental, economic, and recreational benefits. The resolution notes that drought conditions, worsened by climate change, prevent safe prescribed burning (a tool that reduces wildfire risk), making alternatives necessary to maintain forest health and reduce wildfire threats. It specifically references the 2024 wildfire season, which saw 1,380 fires burning over 10,000 acres during extended drought. The bill does not create new law but formally requests these agencies adopt alternative practices during unsafe burning periods.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires contractors bidding on New Jersey public works projects (funded by public funds) to certify that each employee meets one of three minimum qualifications: a high school or GED diploma, enrollment in an equivalent apprenticeship program, or four years of verifiable work experience as a tradesperson. Contractors must provide documentation to verify these qualifications during electronic registration with the state. The law directly affects construction and labor contractors working on public projects, ensuring workers meet basic education or experience standards. It amends existing registration requirements under P.L.1999, c.238, with enforcement tied to contractor registration status.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the "New Jersey Universal Preschool and Kindergarten Act" requiring all school districts to provide full-day kindergarten by the 2029-2030 school year. It creates a Universal Preschool Implementation Steering Committee to oversee preschool expansion and establishes preschool expansion grants for districts not currently providing State-funded preschool. The bill revises preschool education aid formulas to prioritize districts with higher concentrations of at-risk students and requires districts receiving preschool aid to partner with licensed childcare providers and Head Start programs. School districts must submit annual implementation plans and participate in quality improvement assessments. The legislation aims to expand access to high-quality preschool for all three- and four-year-olds in New Jersey.

Maddy summarySenate Bill S 2788 appropriates $128.241 million from constitutionally dedicated corporation business tax (CBT) revenues to the State Agriculture Development Committee (SADC) for farmland preservation. The funds will pay for permanent land protections on farmland through development easements or fee simple purchases, with grants available to counties (covering up to 80% of costs), municipalities, and qualifying nonprofits (covering up to 50% of costs). Additional funds cover administrative expenses, including staff salaries, appraisals, survey costs, and legal enforcement of preservation agreements. This bill implements existing farmland preservation programs under the Preserve New Jersey Act and related legislation.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a symbolic resolution designating June 2025 as LGBTQ+ Pride Month in New Jersey. It does not create new laws or affect specific groups through policy changes; instead, it formally recognizes the contributions of LGBTQ+ individuals to New Jersey society. The resolution urges public officials and citizens to commemorate the month with appropriate activities. It follows the state's longstanding commitment to inclusivity and aligns with federal Pride Month designations. (Note: As a procedural resolution, it has no legal force beyond symbolic recognition.)

Maddy summaryThis bill (A5896) creates the Office of Permitting and Broadband Deployment and Development Efficiency within New Jersey's Department of State. It establishes the "NJ Permit Fast Track Program" to streamline permitting for critical infrastructure and economic development projects, particularly broadband deployment. The office will coordinate with permitting authorities, resolve disputes within 30-180 days, publish all required permits online, and provide project coordination services. The bill appropriates $2 million from the General Fund to fund the office and program's operations.

Maddy summaryThis bill eliminates New Jersey's sales tax on specific baby products and sunscreen. It exempts baby wash, shampoo, lotions, powders, car seats (child restraint systems), cribs (including bassinets), nursing bottles/nipples/funnels, and strollers from the state sales tax. Sunscreen is also exempt if it's FDA-regulated for UV protection (lotion, cream, spray, or gel), excluding cosmetic products. The tax change applies to retail sales starting October 1, 2025, directly benefiting parents and caregivers purchasing these items.