Sen. Jim Holzapfel

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 2511 prohibits pet shops from selling cats, dogs, or rabbits, repealing the previous "Pet Purchase Protection Act." Pet shops may still sell other animals, pet supplies, or collaborate with shelters to showcase adoptable animals without exchanging payment. Violating this prohibition would result in a $500 fine per violation. The bill also prohibits shelters, rescues, and pet shops from obtaining animals from breeders or brokers in exchange for payment, and defines "unfit for purchase" for animals sold by breeders or brokers.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to set aside a 14-day initial sales period each year for mobile sport fishing permits - covering all permit types like annual, 3-day, weekday, or daily permits - during which only New Jersey residents may purchase them. It directly affects individuals seeking to buy these permits for beach-based fishing in New Jersey, limiting initial access to residents during this window. The key mechanism is mandating the DEP to implement this resident-only period before general sales open to all buyers. The bill does not change permit fees or fishing rules, only the timing and eligibility for initial purchases.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases criminal penalties for identity theft when the victim is a senior citizen (62+ years old) or a veteran. It amends New Jersey law to elevate the severity of identity theft offenses targeting these groups: a first offense against a senior or veteran becomes a third-degree crime (instead of fourth-degree), and repeat offenses become second-degree crimes. The bill specifically defines "senior citizen" and "veteran" for legal clarity and ensures penalties rise based on victim status, regardless of the financial amount stolen. It directly affects seniors and veterans who are victims of identity theft, making such crimes punishable more severely.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey law enforcement agencies to submit monthly data on firearm permit applications - including applicants' race, ethnicity, gender identity, and denial reasons - to the Attorney General. The Attorney General must compile this data and publish monthly reports online, starting retroactively from June 23, 2022. These reports cover permits to carry handguns, permits to purchase handguns, and firearm purchaser ID cards. The bill directly affects all applicants for these firearm permits by mandating the public tracking of demographic and outcome data.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires owners of low-speed electric bicycles and scooters in New Jersey to register these devices with the Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) and maintain specific insurance coverage. Owners must complete a safety training module developed by the MVC before registration, and devices must display a registration label. The bill establishes an $8 registration fee for initial registration and annual renewals, and prohibits operation without proper registration. Owners must maintain liability insurance, pedestrian personal injury protection coverage, and uninsured motorist coverage for these devices.

Maddy summaryThe "Motor Vehicle Open Recall Notice and Fair Compensation Act" (S 3309) requires used car dealers to check for open recalls on vehicles before sale using the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's website and provide prospective buyers with printed recall information if any are found. Dealers cannot sell vehicles subject to stop-sale or do-not-drive notices issued by NHTSA. The bill mandates dealers to report vehicles with unresolved recalls (for which repairs remain uncompleted six months after initial notice) to the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission every 180 days, prompting the Commission to send notices directly to vehicle owners. For vehicles with unavailable parts for recalls, dealers receive monthly compensation equal to 1.75% of the vehicle's value until repairs are completed.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires school bus personnel working with students with disabilities to call 911 during potential life-threatening emergencies and report these calls to the Office of Special Education. It mandates that school buses transporting students with disabilities be equipped with interior video cameras, real-time GPS tracking, and two-way communication devices. School bus drivers and aides must receive specialized training on emergency procedures and interacting with students with disabilities, with school districts and contractors required to maintain records of emergency calls. Failure to comply with the 911 reporting requirement can result in civil penalties of up to $25,000 per violation. The bill applies specifically to school buses transporting students with disabilities, affecting school bus personnel, school districts, and bus contractors.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases the monthly personal needs allowance (PNA) from $50 to $140 for low-income residents in nursing homes, state psychiatric hospitals, and state developmental centers. The allowance is intended for personal expenses like phone calls, meals, clothing, and hobbies, allowing residents greater autonomy over basic needs. The new amount will be adjusted annually by the same percentage as the Social Security cost-of-living adjustment, starting January 1 of the year following enactment.

Maddy summaryS 4611, the "Vehicle Choice Protection Act," prohibits New Jersey state agencies from creating rules, regulations, or policies that restrict or ban the sale, registration, or use of new gasoline or diesel-powered vehicles. It directly affects all state agencies (such as the Department of Environmental Protection or Motor Vehicle Commission) by blocking them from adopting any measures that would limit new internal combustion engine vehicles. The key provision explicitly bans state agencies from implementing rules with the purpose or effect of restricting these vehicles, ensuring they cannot be barred from the market. The bill takes immediate effect and focuses solely on preventing regulatory barriers, without addressing electric vehicle policies or creating new requirements.

Maddy summaryThe Affordable Home Energy Protection Act (S 4610) prohibits New Jersey state agencies and local governments from adopting rules that restrict the installation, connection, or use of natural gas, propane, or fuel oil-powered home appliances and heating systems. It directly affects homeowners and businesses in New Jersey who might otherwise face mandates to replace working fossil-fuel systems with electric alternatives. The bill blocks requirements forcing property owners to remove functioning combustion-based systems or install electric ones, while allowing voluntary switches, energy efficiency incentives, and emergency safety orders for unsafe equipment. This policy change aims to prevent government-imposed energy mandates without altering existing voluntary choices or safety regulations.