Asm. Greg Myhre

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 requires New Jersey's Department of Community Affairs (DCA) to restart the Reconstruction, Rehabilitation, Elevation and Mitigation (REEM) program using remaining uncommitted funds. It directly affects homeowners still recovering from Superstorm Sandy who have unmet rebuilding needs, as defined under existing law (P.L.2015, c.102). The key mechanism allows the DCA to accept new grant applications to provide financial assistance for recovery and rebuilding, leveraging funds that were previously allocated but not yet distributed. The bill mandates this action only if sufficient uncommitted funds remain, ensuring no new appropriations are required. It takes effect immediately upon enactment.

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 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 (A1941) requires the New Jersey Commission on Human Trafficking to expand public awareness signage about human trafficking to 12 new types of establishments, including gas stations, staffing agencies, law enforcement offices, nail salons, and Motor Vehicle Commission offices. The signage must display the national 24-hour human trafficking hotline number and meet specific size (8.5" x 11") and language (English/Spanish) requirements. Businesses failing to comply face civil penalties of $300 for a first offense and $1,000 for subsequent violations. The bill directly affects all covered establishments by mandating visible signage to educate the public on trafficking resources.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Military-Connected Student Mental Health Grant Program, appropriating $1 million to fund mental health services for students with military-connected families in New Jersey. It directly affects school districts with high concentrations of military-connected students - defined as those with parents/guardians serving in active duty, National Guard, or reserve components of the U.S. military. School districts must apply to receive grants to expand mental health services, provide outreach, and offer counseling specifically for students whose parents are deployed. The program requires districts to report on service usage and outcomes, with the state also reporting to the Governor and Legislature on program effectiveness.

Maddy summaryACR 180 proposes amending New Jersey's Constitution to require a four-fifths majority vote (32 Senate seats and 64 Assembly seats) in both legislative chambers to submit constitutional amendments to voters during "lame duck" sessions. This would apply specifically to the period starting when voters can cast ballots in the November general election for the General Assembly and ending when the new Legislature convenes in January. Currently, constitutional amendments only require a three-fifths majority (24 Senate/48 Assembly) or a simple majority over two consecutive sessions. The bill does not change the process for submitting amendments outside of this specific lame duck window.