Sen. Jim Holzapfel

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 99) exempts full-time state, county, and municipal police officers, as well as Class Two special law enforcement officers, from jury duty requirements. It directly affects sworn law enforcement personnel by adding them to the list of statutorily exempt groups under New Jersey's jury service law (N.J.S.2B:20-10). The key mechanism is amending the existing statute to include police officers under exemption category (f), which currently covers groups like volunteer firefighters, first responders, and teachers under specific conditions. Currently, police officers are not exempt under state law, though they were previously exempt before 1995.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) to provide all vehicle and licensing services - such as driver's license renewals, registration, and vehicle ownership transfers - in person at every MVC agency location. It prohibits the MVC from mandating online service completion or requiring appointments for these services, ensuring walk-in customers can access all services at any location. The bill reverses pandemic-era changes that split agency functions and required appointments, returning to pre-pandemic operations. It directly affects New Jersey residents needing MVC services by eliminating barriers to in-person access. The law takes effect four months after enactment, with the MVC allowed to prepare in advance.

Maddy summaryThis bill reinstates a $500 fine for underage possession or consumption of alcohol or cannabis in specific locations like schools, public vehicles, or public places, making it a "disorderly person offense." It directly affects individuals under the legal age for purchasing these substances (18 for alcohol, 21 for cannabis in New Jersey) when found in those locations. The bill establishes a tiered approach: first violations receive a written warning, second violations include community service referrals, and third or subsequent violations require written warnings plus referrals to counseling or support services. It removes prior provisions that had eliminated these penalties, returning to a structured enforcement system focused on warnings and community resources rather than immediate fines for initial offenses.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires owners of residential properties with fewer than three units (like single-family homes or duplexes) to install either explosive gas detectors or dual-function carbon monoxide/explosive gas detectors before selling, leasing, or changing occupancy. It mandates that local authorities verify compliance through certificates of occupancy, with exemptions only if no gas or carbon monoxide hazard exists. The detectors must meet specific safety standards (ANSI for gas, UL for carbon monoxide), and owners who fail to comply face a $100 fine. The law applies to initial occupancy changes and new leases, not existing occupied properties.

Maddy summaryThis bill upgrades burglary of a residence to a second-degree crime when a person was present during the offense, making it punishable by 5-10 years in prison (previously a third-degree crime with 3-5 years). It directly affects individuals convicted of entering or remaining in a home while occupants were present, requiring them to serve 85% of their prison sentence before becoming eligible for parole. The law amends existing burglary statutes and enforces the "No Early Release Act" (NERA), which mandates this extended incarceration period for qualifying offenses. This change applies specifically to burglaries in occupied dwellings, not all burglary cases.

Maddy summaryS 2514 limits the Governor's authority to declare and extend states of emergency or public health emergencies in New Jersey. It requires the Legislature to approve any extension of an emergency declaration beyond 60 days through a majority vote in both chambers, after the Governor provides written notice at least seven business days in advance. The bill also mandates that emergency declarations automatically terminate after 60 days unless renewed by the Legislature, and prohibits the Governor from issuing duplicate declarations for the same emergency without new legislation. This directly affects how the Governor and Legislature manage emergency powers, ensuring legislative oversight of emergency declarations.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey bill S 1917 requires the state’s Transportation Commissioner and Highway Traffic Safety Director to annually update public awareness campaigns and use variable message signs at least once yearly. The campaigns must inform motorists about their duty to change lanes or reduce speed when approaching pedestrians, bicycles, or personal conveyances (like scooters), as specified in existing law (C.39:4-92.4). The bill mandates that these materials cover the importance of compliance, risks of non-compliance, and associated penalties. It directly affects all drivers in New Jersey through updated public safety messaging. The bill amends prior statutes (P.L.2017, c.358 and P.L.2019, c.370) to expand awareness beyond emergency vehicles to include vulnerable road users.

Maddy summaryThis bill eliminates the requirement for unvaccinated New Jersey state employees to undergo regular (weekly) COVID-19 testing. It directly affects state employees who are unvaccinated against COVID-19, removing a mandatory testing policy previously enforced by state employers. The bill does not prevent employees from voluntarily getting tested or require testing for symptomatic employees regardless of vaccination status. The change takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires owners of low-speed electric bicycles and scooters in New Jersey to obtain insurance coverage and register the vehicles with the Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC). It directly affects anyone who owns or operates these devices, replacing current law that did not require registration or insurance. Key mechanisms include: (1) mandating insurance similar to motor vehicles, (2) creating an MVC registration system with a fee, (3) requiring completion of an online safety training module before registration, and (4) establishing labeling standards for manufacturers. The bill also updates definitions and clarifies that these vehicles must follow bicycle traffic rules where applicable.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 52) upgrades penalties for adults who fail to securely store loaded firearms where minors can access them, resulting in injury or death. Currently a misdemeanor, the offense becomes a fourth-degree crime (up to 18 months in prison) if injury occurs, or a third-degree crime (3-5 years) if death or serious injury results. It requires secure storage (locked container, secure location, or trigger lock) to avoid liability, applies to minors under 16, and clarifies exceptions for authorized minor firearm use or self-protection. The law does not change storage requirements but significantly increases criminal penalties for violations causing harm.