Sen. Jim Holzapfel

Maddy summaryS 498 establishes the Jersey Shore Safety and Economy Task Force to develop safety protocols for tourism-dependent businesses in Atlantic, Cape May, Ocean, and Monmouth counties during the pandemic. The task force must create reopening guidance (including social distancing), assess economic impacts on businesses, and evaluate coronavirus spread implications. It will consist of 14 members, including health officials, tourism representatives, legislative appointees, and business stakeholders from the affected counties. The group must submit its report within 30 days to county health departments, the state chamber of commerce, the governor, and the legislature.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases the minimum auto liability insurance requirements for people convicted of DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) in New Jersey. It raises the coverage amounts from $250,000 (per person injury/death) to $300,000, $500,000 (multiple people) to $600,000, and $100,000 (property damage) to $150,000. These higher limits apply to DWI offenders who must maintain insurance for one year after their license forfeiture period ends. The change directly affects individuals convicted of DWI who are required to carry auto liability insurance following their conviction.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 45) urges New Jersey's Governor and Attorney General to provide state assistance to municipalities dealing with unpermitted mass gatherings, commonly called "pop-up parties." It directly affects local governments struggling to manage spontaneous events on public streets, beaches, and parks that often involve large crowds, drugs, alcohol, and safety risks - like the 2022 Wildwood incident. The resolution does not create new laws but calls for state support to help municipalities prepare for and respond to these gatherings, referencing the New Jersey State League of Municipalities' 2022 request for action. It emphasizes that current permitting systems for planned events (like festivals) cannot address sudden, unpermitted crowds organized via social media.

Maddy summaryS 1922, "Breann's Law," requires health insurers, the State Health Benefits Program (SHBP), and NJ FamilyCare to cover out-of-network medical services for children diagnosed with catastrophic illnesses. It applies when services are provided by an out-of-network provider following a referral from an in-network provider, and the coverage must match what’s provided for in-network care under the same plan. The law defines "catastrophic illness" as life-threatening or causing serious disability, and it affects dependent children covered under specific health insurance contracts. This policy change ensures consistent coverage for critical care without requiring families to switch networks during emergencies.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey public school students to have parental written consent to participate in health, family life, or sex education courses. It directly affects all students in these classes and their parents/guardians. Key provisions include: parents must provide written consent (replacing the current system where they only need to object), and schools must make all course materials (including videos) available online and in-person for review. Schools must also post a summary of the curriculum online to help parents understand the content and contact information for materials. The law takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 437) increases penalties for adults who leave loaded firearms accessible to minors under 16 at premises they control, resulting in injury or death. Currently a disorderly persons offense (up to 6 months jail, $1,000 fine), the violation becomes a fourth-degree crime (up to 18 months jail, $10,000 fine) for bodily injury, or a third-degree crime (3-5 years jail, $15,000 fine) for death or serious bodily injury. It does not apply if minors use firearms for authorized activities (e.g., hunting) or self-protection, as defined under existing law. The bill targets adults responsible for firearm storage safety in homes or other controlled premises where minors reside or visit.

Maddy summaryS 491 exempts licensed electricians, HVAC technicians, plumbers, and businesses selling building materials or hardware from mandatory business closures or isolation requirements during New Jersey's state or public health emergencies. The bill directly affects these specific licensed professionals and retail businesses by allowing them to continue operations when emergency orders would otherwise force closures. It also gives the Director of Consumer Affairs authority to later add more licensed professions to the exemption list. The law takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 899) requires New Jersey's Attorney General to establish a voting fraud task force within the Division of Criminal Justice. The task force will investigate and handle cases involving voting fraud, using a coordinated approach with state, county, and local law enforcement agencies. It does not change voting rules but creates a dedicated unit to address suspected fraud. The task force would begin operations after the bill takes effect, which is set for the first day of the sixth month following enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits New Jersey Transit (NJT) from making major rail yard changes - such as adding tracks, building fuel tanks, or upgrading facilities - near environmentally sensitive areas. It specifically applies to rail yards located within coastal zones, in the Barnegat Bay watershed, or within 1,000 feet of freshwater wetlands, coastal wetlands, or tidal water bodies. NJT must obtain the Governor’s written authorization after consulting the Department of Environmental Protection and EPA before proceeding with such projects. The law applies to any rail yard modifications requiring permits submitted after March 31, 2022.

Maddy summaryS 901 requires New Jersey's Secretary of State to create a website where voters can report issues with mail-in ballots they receive, such as ballots sent to the wrong address or to a deceased person. Voters would submit their contact details and describe the problem, with reports automatically sent to county election officials for follow-up. The bill also establishes the "Vote by Mail Study Commission," a 9-member group tasked with investigating mail-in voting systems - including preventing duplicate ballots or mailings to inactive voters - and holding public hearings across the state. The commission must submit findings and recommendations to the Governor and Legislature within one year of its first meeting.