Sen. Jim Holzapfel

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies that size limits for lobsters apply only to lobsters caught in New Jersey's marine waters, not to imported or exported lobsters. It amends existing law to specify that restrictions on lobster size (for both commercial and recreational fishing) are limited to lobsters taken from state waters, ensuring the rules apply consistently within New Jersey's jurisdiction.

Maddy summaryThis bill restricts phosphorus levels in household cleaning products sold in New Jersey and requires clear labeling of phosphorus content. It prohibits most household cleansers from containing phosphorus compounds (except trace amounts), with limited exceptions for dishwasher detergents (max 0.5% phosphorus) and food/dairy equipment cleaners (max 8.7% phosphorus). Manufacturers must label products with the percentage by weight of phosphorus and grams per recommended use, and commercial establishments (like restaurants) cannot use non-compliant products. The law applies to all distributors, retailers, and commercial users of these products within the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases New Jersey's monthly personal needs allowance (PNA) for low-income residents in specific facilities - from $50 to $140 - to cover personal expenses like phone calls, meals out, or hobbies. It directly affects individuals receiving medical assistance under Medicaid who live in nursing homes, state psychiatric hospitals, or state developmental centers. The allowance will automatically rise annually starting January 1 after enactment, matching the Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) percentage. This change ensures the PNA remains aligned with inflation while being disregarded income for Medicaid eligibility calculations. The bill amends existing state laws to implement this increase and adjust future payments.

Maddy summaryS 829, titled "CJ's Law," would make it illegal to manufacture, sell, or possess substances containing kratom in New Jersey. The bill amends state drug laws to explicitly include kratom under prohibited "controlled dangerous substances," creating new criminal penalties for these activities. This change would directly affect individuals who use or sell kratom products, as current law does not ban kratom. The law would apply to all kratom-containing substances, including those sold as dietary supplements or recreational products.

Maddy summaryS 1935 updates New Jersey's telehealth laws to clarify emergency care referral standards for telemedicine providers. It requires telehealth providers to make a "good faith effort" to directly contact emergency services during telehealth visits when a patient needs urgent care, including sharing the patient's location, provider contact details, and documenting emergencies. This applies to all telehealth providers licensed in New Jersey who use telemedicine for patient care. The bill ensures telehealth services meet the same emergency coordination standards as in-person care, requiring providers to refer patients to appropriate in-person or emergency services when needed. The bill is currently pending in the Senate Health Committee.

Maddy summaryS 2599 requires companies, research facilities, and institutions using cats, dogs, or ferrets for product testing, research, or educational purposes in New Jersey to assess each animal for adoption suitability after testing ends and offer it to rescue organizations or private individuals if suitable. These entities must register with the state health department, report animal details (like type, number, and adoption status), and document efforts to place animals for adoption. Noncompliance results in civil penalties of up to $50,000 for repeated violations, with a third offense potentially leading to a court-ordered ban on animal testing. The bill establishes clear reporting procedures and enforcement mechanisms to ensure animals used in testing have adoption opportunities.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all New Jersey state agencies to review their operations within six months to identify opportunities for cost savings through increased use of internet-based tools (like email and online forms) for public business. It specifically covers functions such as sharing information, communicating with the public or other agencies, and processing payments, while exempting existing requirements for certified mail and newspaper notices. Agencies must implement internet solutions where cost savings are possible, but the law does not change current rules about written notice methods. The bill applies to all state branches, independent authorities, and interstate agencies.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends New Jersey's survivor pension program to cover the families of volunteer emergency workers (firefighters, EMTs, first aid/rescue volunteers) who died from COVID-19 during the 2020 public health emergency. It deems such deaths as "in course of duty" if the volunteer: (1) tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 during the emergency period, (2) died from COVID-19, and (3) had duties requiring public interaction during the emergency. Eligible survivors (widows/widowers, children, or dependent parents) can now receive the existing pension benefit - $15,000 annually for spouses, less for others - retroactive to the year after the volunteer's death. The bill applies specifically to those whose roles involved public contact during the Governor's declared emergency.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 132) prohibits one state agency from imposing civil penalties on another state agency or its divisions. It directly affects all New Jersey state agencies by preventing them from fining each other under current law. The bill explicitly states that no agency may assess, impose, or enforce civil penalties against another state agency, overriding any conflicting existing provisions. It is a procedural clarification with no new public policy or funding changes, effective immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits New Jersey municipalities from passing ordinances that require local officials to refuse cooperation with federal immigration enforcement requests. It directly affects mayors, city councils, and county officials who might adopt "sanctuary city" policies. The law makes it a misdemeanor for officials to vote for such non-cooperation policies after the bill's effective date, with potential fines up to $1,000, jail time up to one year, or loss of office. It also requires local employees to comply with federal immigration requests as an ethics obligation and provides state defense/indemnification for officials cooperating with federal authorities, barring intentional misconduct.