Sen. Owen Henry

Maddy summaryThis bill allocates approximately $77.4 million from dedicated tax revenues and Green Acres funds to the Department of Environmental Protection to support local government projects. The funding is divided between acquiring land for conservation and developing existing parks, with specific amounts designated for planning incentives, standard projects, and areas with high population density. Local municipalities and counties that meet certain population criteria are eligible to receive grants or loans to help them purchase or improve recreational spaces. Any remaining funds after the listed projects are funded may be used for additional approved initiatives with further committee approval.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates June 10, 2026, as "Christina Grimmie Day" in New Jersey to honor the late singer and songwriter who grew up in Marlton, New Jersey. The resolution formally requests the Governor to issue a proclamation recognizing the date, which marks the tenth anniversary of Grimmie's passing. While the bill does not alter laws or funding, it serves to acknowledge Grimmie's cultural contributions and her family's foundation that supports families affected by gun violence.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates a specific segment of State Highway Route 35 in Laurence Harbor (from milepost 45.37 to 47.26) as the "James Francisco and Walter Schmidt Memorial Roadway" to honor two New Jersey veterans who died in the Vietnam War. It requires the Commissioner of Transportation to install signs bearing this name but prohibits using public funds for the signs. Instead, the bill allows the state to accept private funding from organizations or individuals to cover the costs of producing, installing, and maintaining the signage. The legislation takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank to spend $65.55 million in loans for transportation infrastructure projects during the 2027 fiscal year. The legislation allows the bank to provide funding to local government units for construction costs and includes specific provisions for forgiving up to $1 million in planning and design loans under certain conditions. Additionally, the act permits the bank to use additional funds to cover its own operational expenses, such as bond issuance costs and reserve requirements. While the text lists specific eligible projects, the summary of those details is incomplete in the provided document.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank to lend up to $3.85 billion to local governments and public water utilities for environmental infrastructure projects in fiscal year 2027. The legislation allows the bank to use funds from various existing trust accounts to finance the construction of facilities related to drinking water and wastewater treatment. Additionally, the bill outlines how the bank can increase its available loan amounts by including interest earned, fees, and other financial adjustments.

Maddy summaryThis bill allocates state funds to the Department of Environmental Protection to support environmental infrastructure projects during fiscal year 2027. The money will be used to provide zero-interest or principal forgiveness loans to help finance clean water and drinking water initiatives. Additionally, the legislation authorizes the department to transfer money between different state revolving funds to ensure there is enough capital for these projects. Ultimately, the act aims to expand funding availability for essential water systems without changing the underlying loan terms.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires contractors working on New Jersey public works projects to verify that each craft worker meets specific qualifications. Contractors must register electronically and confirm workers either completed a federally compliant apprenticeship program or have four years of documented work experience in their craft. Workers covered by union collective bargaining agreements (which determine prevailing wages) are exempt from these requirements. The law directly affects contractors and craft workers on state-funded construction projects by setting clear, verifiable standards for employment.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires contractors working on New Jersey public works projects to verify that all craftworkers meet minimum qualifications. Specifically, it mandates that contractors register electronically and provide proof that each journeyperson has either completed a registered apprenticeship program meeting federal standards or has four years of documented work experience (with union members under certain collective bargaining agreements exempt). The law also requires contractors to confirm they participate in approved apprenticeship programs for any craftworkers they employ. These requirements apply directly to contractors bidding on or performing state-funded construction projects.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires school bus drivers, aides, and personnel to call 911 during potential life-threatening emergencies involving students. It also mandates that school buses transporting students with disabilities be equipped with specific safety features (though the exact features are not detailed in the provided text). The bill updates training requirements to include recognizing life-threatening emergencies and proper procedures for students with disabilities, requiring twice-yearly training and certification for all personnel. These changes apply to school bus contractors and school districts in New Jersey, with implementation tied to a pending training program update. The bill includes funding (an appropriation) for these requirements.