Sen. Mike Testa

Maddy summaryS 1345 creates a permanent "New Jersey Anti-Semitism Task Force" within the Department of State. The task force, composed of 18 members including legislative leaders, community representatives (like Hadassah and ADL), and experts, will research anti-Semitism and develop recommendations to address its harms. Its work directly affects Jewish communities in New Jersey, aiming to improve safety at synagogues, schools, and institutions amid rising hate incidents. The bill requires the task force to produce actionable plans based on its research, without specifying new funding or enforcement measures.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (S 725) criminalizes squatting by creating three new offenses: "housebreaking" (forcibly entering vacant dwellings without permission to occupy), "unlawful occupancy" (taking up residence without permission), and "unlawful reentry" (returning to property after being evicted by court order). It presumes occupants know they lack permission unless they provide a notarized written rental agreement with the owner's current contact details. The law affects individuals occupying vacant properties without owner consent, making these acts fourth-degree crimes punishable by up to 18 months in jail or a $10,000 fine. Currently, squatting isn't a criminal offense in New Jersey, requiring owners to seek court-ordered evictions instead.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey municipalities to create local ordinances preventing sex offenders convicted of crimes against minors (under 18) from living within 500 feet of schools, playgrounds, or child care centers. It also requires school boards to avoid placing bus stops within 250 feet of high-risk sex offenders' homes, unless relocation would create greater danger for children. Exceptions include offenders residing in correctional facilities, licensed mental health facilities, or with court-approved housing exceptions. The law applies to individuals designated as high-risk under state sex offender registration standards.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's State Division of Investment to review all pension and annuity fund assets to identify investments in businesses with ties to foreign adversaries as defined by U.S. standards (e.g., entities posing national security risks). It directs the Division to consult security experts, define "equity ties" broadly (including ownership stakes), and exclude humanitarian aid activities. Within six months, the Division must report findings and recommend whether the state should divest from such investments to the Governor, Legislature, and State Investment Council. The bill affects New Jersey's public pension funds (serving state employees) but does not mandate divestment - only requires a review and recommendation.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits New Jersey's public colleges and universities from accepting gifts or donations from entities designated as "foreign adversaries" by the U.S. Secretary of Commerce. It directly affects all public higher education institutions in New Jersey by banning financial support from foreign governments or non-government entities determined to pose a national security threat to the U.S. The key mechanism requires institutions to rely on the U.S. Commerce Department's official list of "foreign adversaries" to identify prohibited donors. The prohibition applies to both direct donations and those received through individuals or entities acting on behalf of such adversaries.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 731 prohibits state agencies and local governments from allowing foreign companies created under the laws of a "foreign adversary" to participate in critical infrastructure projects. A "foreign adversary" is defined as a country determined by the U.S. Secretary of Commerce to pose significant security threats to the U.S. The bill specifically bars these companies from construction, maintenance, or control of infrastructure including power grids, water systems, gas pipelines, and communication networks. Existing agreements conflicting with this law cannot be renewed, though pre-enactment agreements remain valid until expiration.

Maddy summaryS 728 prohibits New Jersey state agencies and local governments from buying or using technology products, services, or systems from companies owned by, controlled by, or based in foreign countries identified as posing significant cybersecurity threats by U.S. or New Jersey security agencies. It directly affects all state and local government entities that purchase technology, requiring them to avoid vendors linked to specified threat countries. The law takes effect immediately upon passage, using threat designations from agencies like the U.S. Director of National Intelligence and New Jersey's Office of Homeland Security. It focuses on preventing procurement of technology from entities deemed high-risk for cyber espionage, without naming specific countries.

Maddy summaryS 723 prohibits foreign governments and foreign persons from acquiring or purchasing agricultural land in New Jersey after the bill's effective date. Current foreign owners must sell their land within five years to a non-foreign entity (such as a U.S. citizen or business), with a deed ensuring the land remains devoted to agricultural use. The bill requires annual reports to the governor and legislature detailing foreign ownership acreage, top nationalities, and land use trends. Limited exceptions apply for land acquired through debt collection (requiring sale within two years) or inheritance, and the law does not override U.S. treaties with foreign nations.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 58) provides property tax exemptions for New Jersey veterans with service-connected disabilities. It allows veterans with a 30% or higher disability rating (including specific conditions like blindness, amputations, or paralysis) to receive a tax exemption proportional to their disability percentage, up to 100%. Surviving spouses of eligible veterans or those who died in service also qualify for similar exemptions under defined conditions. Crucially, the bill requires the state to reimburse municipalities 102% of the lost tax revenue from these exemptions, ensuring local governments aren’t financially burdened. The policy directly affects honorably discharged veterans with qualifying disabilities and their surviving spouses.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs New Jersey's Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to create rules for small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs), defined as reactors under 300 megawatts requiring U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission licensing. It authorizes the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (EDA) to use 60% of the Global Warming Solutions Fund to provide financial incentives for the construction and operation of SMRs. The EDA must determine grant levels, selection criteria (prioritizing projects with measurable greenhouse gas reductions), and application processes for these incentives. This directly affects the EDA, reactor developers, and potential investors in SMR projects within New Jersey.