Asm. Andrea Katz

Maddy summaryThis bill would increase the maximum state funding for farmland preservation grants given to nonprofit organizations from 50 percent to 80 percent. Currently, while local governments can receive up to 80 percent of the cost for acquiring farmland easements or full ownership, nonprofits are limited to a lower share. The legislation aligns the funding rate for nonprofits with that of local governments to help them purchase development easements or acquire land titles for agricultural use. Under the new provisions, the State Agriculture Development Committee would approve the terms of easements held by these organizations, and any future proceeds from the land would be reinvested into farmland preservation efforts.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution commemorates the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. The bill asks the Governor to issue a proclamation honoring the victims, first responders, and the resilience of the American people. It also directs that copies of the resolution be sent to federal leaders and members of Congress from New Jersey. The measure serves as a formal state recognition of the event and does not create new laws or change existing policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill, titled the New Jersey Natural Gas Modernization Act, aims to update and improve existing natural gas power plants in the state to enhance energy reliability and lower costs for residents. It directly affects utility companies and the natural gas-fired generating facilities that currently operate within New Jersey. The legislation establishes a streamlined permitting process to allow for upgrades and efficiency improvements at these plants without weakening environmental protections. By modernizing older infrastructure, the bill seeks to reduce emissions, stabilize electricity prices, and ensure a steady power supply during times of high demand or renewable shortages.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A4029) creates the "Farmer Supply Link Program," authorizing New Jersey county agricultural development boards to contract with agricultural product aggregators to purchase supplies in bulk at discounted rates for sale exclusively to eligible New Jersey farmers. The program covers items like equipment, seeds, fertilizer, and livestock, requiring boards to secure discounts and restrict sales to farmers. Boards must establish fee structures tied to inflation, covering all program costs, with excess revenue funding farmland preservation. The goal is to reduce farmers' supply costs and strengthen agricultural resilience by improving access to affordable resources.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes New Jersey's Secretary of Agriculture to declare an agricultural emergency for up to six months if factors like severe weather or global supply chain disruptions threaten the state's farms. When such an emergency is declared, the Department of Agriculture must immediately post a notice on its website explaining the situation and providing farmers with specific resources and funding options to protect their crops and livestock. Additionally, the bill requires the department to conduct a study within six months to identify and report on all available state, federal, and private funding sources that could help farmers during these crises.

Maddy summaryBill A 2733 requires emergency departments in New Jersey general hospitals to provide parents or guardians of children experiencing mental health crises with contact information for nearby county-based care management organizations (CMOs). These CMOs are defined as nonprofit groups offering in-person support for youth with complex needs and their families. The bill mandates that hospitals share this specific information during emergency visits, directly affecting parents/guardians, emergency departments, and CMOs. It takes effect 90 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey bill A 3108 requires the Department of Agriculture to promote community supported agriculture (CSA) programs. Within 180 days of enactment, the Department must create a public website listing all CSA farms and enabling online subscriptions, run statewide advertising campaigns highlighting CSA benefits, and develop promotional labels for CSA-marketed products (using "Jersey Fresh" branding where appropriate). The bill also establishes an annual "Community Supported Agriculture Week" in February to showcase local farm-to-table connections through events in schools, markets, and community venues. This directly affects New Jersey farms participating in CSAs and consumers seeking locally sourced seasonal food through subscription programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill would prohibit social media platforms from promoting content related to eating disorders - such as diet products, extreme weight loss practices, or harmful eating behaviors - to users under 18. Platforms must conduct quarterly internal audits and annual independent audits to ensure their algorithms or features don’t contribute to eating disorders in children, and fix any issues within 30 days if identified. Small platforms with less than $100 million in annual revenue are exempt from the audit requirements. The bill does not hold platforms liable for user-generated content unless the platform paid to promote it (e.g., via advertisements).

Maddy summaryThis bill is a non-binding resolution that formally recognizes the use of turfgrass at MetLife Stadium for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. It highlights the environmental, health, and practical benefits of turfgrass, such as air purification, stormwater management, and injury reduction for athletes. The resolution also acknowledges the various professions supported by the turfgrass industry. Ultimately, it applauds the stadium's decision to replace artificial turf with turfgrass in preparation for the upcoming matches.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes New Jersey's Secretary of Agriculture to declare an agricultural emergency for up to six months if events like rising fertilizer costs impact farming. During such an emergency, the state would temporarily suspend sales taxes on the retail purchase of fertilizer to help reduce costs for farmers and gardeners. The Secretary has the power to set the specific criteria for declaring an emergency, limit the relief to certain areas of the state, and end the emergency when conditions improve. Additionally, the bill allows tax officials to create necessary rules quickly to implement this tax break while staying compliant with federal agreements.