Sen. Jim Holzapfel

Maddy summaryThis bill limits the Governor's power to declare and extend state of emergency or public health emergency declarations in New Jersey. It requires the Legislature to approve any extension of these declarations, with automatic termination after 60 days for state emergencies (or 30 days for public health emergencies) unless approved by a majority vote of both legislative chambers. The Governor must notify the Legislature in writing at least seven business days before seeking an extension, detailing the ongoing threat. The bill also prohibits the Governor from issuing identical declarations for the same emergency after termination without specific legislative authorization.

Maddy summaryS 436 establishes a New Jersey Animal Abuser Registry, requiring the Attorney General to maintain a public database of individuals convicted of animal abuse offenses. The registry includes information about offenders to help residents protect themselves, families, and pets, as defined by specific New Jersey laws covering criminal and civil cruelty to animals. It explicitly states the registry is a public safety tool - not punishment - and aims to prevent future violence against people and animals by making offender details accessible. The bill defines "animal abuse offenses" broadly, including violations of statutes related to animal cruelty under Title 4.

Maddy summaryThis bill makes a fourth or subsequent drunk driving conviction a third-degree crime in New Jersey, punishable by up to 5 years in prison and a $15,000 fine, while imposing a 10-year driver's license suspension. If the offense occurs near schools - within 1,000 feet of school property, in a designated school crossing, or when juveniles are present - the suspension increases to 20 years. Offenders must also complete alcohol education programs, pay a $100 fee to support DUI services, and satisfy court-mandated requirements to avoid additional jail time. The law takes effect immediately and applies to offenses committed on or after that date.

Maddy summaryThis proposed bill, S 476 (Homestead School Property Tax Reimbursement Act), would provide New Jersey seniors aged 65+ with a state reimbursement for 50% of the school portion of their property taxes. To qualify, seniors must own or lease a qualifying primary residence (including single-family homes, condos, mobile homes in parks, or cooperative units) and meet income limits ($35,000 or less in the first year, $75,000 in the second year, with no limit after that). The reimbursement covers only the school tax portion of property taxes paid on eligible homesteads, excluding penalties or delinquent amounts. The bill is currently pending in the Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 2090) updates rules for telemedicine and telehealth providers regarding emergency care referrals. It requires telehealth providers to make a "good faith effort" to coordinate with emergency services during remote visits, including sharing the patient's location and contact details with emergency responders. Providers must also refer patients to in-person care when needed, document emergencies, and report suicide attempts during telehealth sessions per privacy laws. These changes apply directly to telemedicine providers and patients receiving remote health services in New Jersey.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's SCR 21 is a concurrent resolution urging Congress to investigate whether insurance companies denied flood claims from Superstorm Sandy victims by secretly revising engineering reports. It specifically cites a court case (Raimey v. Wright) where an engineer altered a report to claim storm damage was due to "long-term deterioration," denying coverage. The resolution targets homeowners in flood-prone areas (especially New Jersey) who had claims rejected based on these revised reports. It does not change laws but requests congressional hearings to determine the scope of this practice. (4 sentences)

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 49) urges the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and the federal Bureau of Ocean Energy Management to immediately pause sonar testing and wind turbine mapping activities off New Jersey's coast. It follows a surge in unexplained marine mammal deaths - 12 whale deaths (including 8 humpbacks) and 5 dolphin deaths in February 2023 - occurring near offshore wind energy development zones. The resolution cites concerns that sonar and underwater mapping used in these projects may disrupt marine mammals' navigation and communication, warranting a temporary halt for scientific study. As a non-binding resolution, it does not impose legal restrictions but requests agencies consider a moratorium while investigating potential links to the marine life deaths.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 438) extends the statute of limitations for texting while driving violations from 30 to 90 days, meaning prosecutors have more time to file charges. It specifically increases penalties for texting while driving: a first offense now carries a $600 fine (up from $200-$400 for general cell phone use), with higher fines for repeat offenses. These changes directly affect drivers who use handheld devices to text while operating a vehicle. The law maintains existing restrictions on handheld phone use but adds stricter fines and penalty points specifically for texting violations.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's parole board to immediately revoke parole and initiate custody proceedings for any parolee arrested or indicted for assaulting a law enforcement officer or threatening to kill or cause physical harm to an officer (or their family member) with the intent to cause immediate fear. It directly affects parolees convicted of these specific offenses, including threats against retired officers based on their former status. The key provision mandates automatic detention and revocation proceedings upon arrest or indictment for these acts, without waiting for a criminal conviction. The bill applies to threats against an officer's spouse, parent, child, or other household family member, as defined in the legislation.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (S 652) updates laws around public disorder by broadening the definition of "riot" to include actions like using weapons or causing property damage during gatherings of five or more people. It increases penalties for damaging public monuments (making it a fourth-degree crime during riots) and creates a new offense for promoting violent, disorderly assemblies. The bill directly affects individuals engaging in disruptive behavior at public events, including protests or gatherings near monuments, schools, or public venues. Key changes clarify that refusing to disperse after an official order or causing injury during a riot now carries stricter penalties under existing assault and disorderly conduct statutes.