Rep. Mike Torrissi

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a state program to permanently restrict development on qualifying privately-owned woodlands through easement acquisitions. Landowners with woodlands meeting specific criteria (minimum 20 acres, used for agriculture/forest products, or managed under approved stewardship plans) can participate. The State Agriculture Development Committee will administer the program using existing farmland preservation funds and seek federal programs like the Forest Legacy Program, with easements recorded similarly to property deeds. The goal is to preserve forested lands for agricultural, silvicultural, and conservation purposes.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) program to acquire development easements on privately-owned woodlands, restricting permanent development. It directly affects landowners with at least five contiguous acres of woodlands managed under approved forest stewardship or woodland management plans. The program is funded through a new "Woodlands Protection Fund" using federal funds (including Forest Legacy Program money), private donations, state appropriations, and investment returns. Acquired easements must be recorded with local officials, and landowners are not required to provide public access to preserved woodlands.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs New Jersey's Department of Agriculture to promote state-produced aquaculture products (farm-raised fish and shellfish) through the existing Jersey Fresh Program. It requires an annual $100,000 appropriation from the General Fund to fund advertising and promotion of these products, which must meet department-established quality standards. The Department must also create a specific quality grading system for aquaculture products, distinct from wild-caught seafood, to verify their quality under the program. This directly benefits New Jersey aquaculture businesses by expanding market access for their products through state marketing efforts.

Maddy summaryThis bill, "Max's Law," requires New Jersey public school districts to include age-appropriate instruction about fentanyl and xylazine dangers in health classes for students in grades 6 through 12. The curriculum must cover prevention, symptoms of poisoning, emergency response, and relevant laws protecting those seeking help. School districts must use resources from federal agencies like the CDC and NIH, and the state education department will provide materials and post online resources for staff, students, and parents. The law takes effect immediately, applying to the first full school year after enactment, with annual reports evaluating its impact on youth drug use and poisoning.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Human Services (DHS) to establish an Alzheimer's disease public awareness and education program. The program must develop public campaigns about symptoms, early detection, and safety; create accessible educational materials for health providers; and train emergency responders, judicial staff, and social services personnel. DHS must consult with the Alzheimer's Association and make materials available online in English and Spanish. The initiative is subject to available funding and aims to improve community understanding and response to Alzheimer's disease.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (S 1067) requires the state's Department of Human Services to conduct a landscape analysis of mental health services accessible to deaf and hard of hearing residents. It mandates that mental health services be provided in a client's primary communication method (like sign language or speech), delivered by professionals certified in that method and trained in culturally appropriate care for the deaf community. The bill also requires the creation of a resource guide listing providers meeting these standards and defines key terms like "culturally affirmative mental health services." It directly affects deaf and hard of hearing individuals seeking mental health care across New Jersey.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Agriculture to include aquaculture products (fish and shellfish raised through farming in the state or state waters) in the existing Jersey Fresh Program, which currently promotes locally grown produce. It mandates the department to develop a specific quality grading system for these aquaculture products and allocate $100,000 annually from the General Fund for advertising and promotion. The funding supports marketing efforts to help New Jersey aquaculture producers compete in the marketplace, with the program expanding the Jersey Fresh Program's scope beyond traditional agricultural commodities. The bill directly affects state aquaculture businesses by creating a dedicated marketing channel for their products.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A4819) provides specific enrollment flexibility for military-connected students in New Jersey schools. It directly affects students dependent on active-duty military personnel, veterans, National Guard members, military retirees, or civilian military employees (as defined in the bill). Key provisions include waiving residency requirements for enrollment, granting preference in school placement, protecting against discrimination based on military status, and guaranteeing admission to any school under inter-district agreements if military orders document a temporary transfer of over 30 days. Parents can also choose to keep a child in their original school district through graduation for 11th graders, or enroll in installation schools within 10 days if housing isn't secured within 30 days.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A4603) allows commercial farmers in New Jersey to recover reasonable legal costs and attorney fees when defending against complaints they win under the "Right to Farm Act." It directly affects farmers who successfully prove a complaint was filed in bad faith and that their farming activity met the Act's legal standards. Key provisions require farmers to apply to their county agriculture board or the State Agriculture Development Committee (SADC), which must then determine if the complaint was filed in bad faith (by a preponderance of evidence) and if the costs/fees are reasonable before ordering the complainant to pay. The change provides a specific remedy for farmers facing frivolous legal challenges, strengthening existing protections under the Act.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a Farm to School Local Food Procurement Reimbursement Grant Program to help school districts increase their sourcing of local foods for students. It appropriates $6,500,000 from the General Fund, with $5.5 million dedicated to grants and $1 million for administrative costs. Eligible school districts (those serving students eligible for subsidized meals) can apply for annual grants based on size: small districts (under 5,000 students) receive $10,000-$50,000, medium districts (5,000-10,000 students) get $20,000-$125,000, and large districts (10,000+ students) receive $44,000-$250,000. At least 80% of grant funds must reimburse costs for sourcing additional local foods, while up to 20% can cover equipment or staff training, with priority given to districts in food deserts or those sourcing from small/mid-sized farms.