Sen. Mike Testa

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's existing Commission on Human Trafficking to specifically investigate how traffickers use online gaming platforms and social media to target victims, particularly children. The commission must develop prevention methods and make legislative recommendations based on its findings. This adds a new, focused duty to the commission's current responsibilities of evaluating anti-trafficking laws and victim assistance programs. The commission will report annually on these efforts to the Governor and Legislature, with recommendations potentially leading to new state laws.

Maddy summaryThe New Jersey Healthy SNAP Act (S 4348) requires the state's Department of Human Services (DHS) to request a federal waiver prohibiting SNAP (food assistance program) benefits from being used to buy soft drinks. It directly affects SNAP recipients in New Jersey and participating retailers. The bill defines "soft drink" as non-alcoholic beverages with added sweeteners (excluding milk alternatives and juice-based drinks), and mandates DHS submit a waiver request within 90 days with public health justification, implementation plans for point-of-sale systems, recipient education strategies, and impact tracking. If approved by the federal government, the restriction would take effect within six months; if denied, DHS must resubmit annually. The bill does not change current SNAP rules but seeks federal approval to modify how benefits can be spent.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits New Jersey local governments - including municipalities, counties, school districts, and public agencies - from naming public property (such as roads, parks, schools, or buildings) after a foreign terrorist organization designated by the federal government. It requires these entities to remove all existing signs, plaques, or displays referencing such groups within 30 days of the law taking effect and to rename the property within 90 days. The state will reimburse local governments for the costs of removal and renaming, and violations will trigger daily deductions from state aid. The Division of Local Government Services must maintain an annual list of designated foreign terrorist organizations and lands they control, excluding sovereign nations.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies the definition of "aquaculture" in New Jersey state law to explicitly include the construction of facilities and appurtenant structures, which are currently excluded from the definition. The change would clarify that facilities like hatcheries, processing centers, and equipment storage are part of aquaculture operations, not separate construction projects regulated under other laws. This policy change applies to multiple state laws that define aquaculture, ensuring consistent treatment across different regulatory contexts. The goal is to provide regulatory clarity to support New Jersey's aquaculture industry, which includes shellfish farming and other aquatic farming activities.

Maddy summaryThis bill abolishes New Jersey's Board of Public Utilities (BPU) and transfers all of its responsibilities - including regulating electricity, gas, and water utilities - to the Department of the Treasury. The transfer will follow the State Agency Transfer Act, moving all BPU records, equipment, funds, and unspent appropriations to the Treasury Department. This change directly affects the BPU (which ceases to exist) and the Treasury Department (which assumes new regulatory duties). The bill does not alter utility rates or policies but reorganizes the state agency managing utility oversight.

Maddy summaryThis bill would amend New Jersey's firearms law to allow active duty members of the United States military and National Guard to carry firearms at all times within the state, rather than only while on duty or traveling between duty locations as current law permits. It would add military personnel to the list of exempt groups under New Jersey's firearms regulations, requiring them to complete firearms training similar to other authorized groups. The bill's statement cites past attacks on military installations as justification for the change, arguing it would allow military personnel to better protect themselves and their families. The bill would not override federal restrictions on military personnel carrying weapons.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 4275 prohibits state contractors and financial institutions from sharing data with "foreign adversaries" (defined as entities deemed a security threat by U.S. standards). It requires the Department of the Treasury to maintain a public list of entities selling data to such adversaries, making them ineligible for state contracts, subsidies, tax benefits, or certifications. Contractors must certify they aren’t on the list, and false certifications face $1 million penalties or five-year bans. The law exempts data shared under court orders, legitimate business transactions, or publicly available information. This directly affects businesses seeking state work or financial partnerships.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 4257 establishes a 20-member Forest Fire Preparedness Commission within the Department of Environmental Protection. The commission, including officials like the Environmental Protection Commissioner and State Firewarden, plus appointed members from firefighting groups and environmental experts, will audit the state's wildfire response systems and develop coordination protocols for emergency responders. Key duties include reviewing existing fire plans, creating a statewide response roadmap for firefighters, police, and medical teams, standardizing communication channels, and assessing controlled burns. The commission must submit its final report within two years and dissolve 30 days after submission.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $7.65 million from New Jersey's "Securing Our Children's Future Fund" to expand career and technical education programs at the Cumberland County Technical Education Center. The funding is specifically directed to this single institution in Cumberland County for vocational program enhancements. The bill does not create new programs but allocates existing state funds for immediate use under the Securing Our Children's Future Bond Act.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (S 4160) makes it a crime to knowingly harbor undocumented immigrants who have active arrest or deportation warrants. It targets individuals who help such people avoid capture by providing shelter, transportation, or other assistance. Violators face a fourth-degree crime charge, punishable by up to 18 months in prison or a $10,000 fine. The law includes an exception for people who were victims of human trafficking during the time they provided assistance.