Sen. Owen Henry

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey's school bus stop laws to authorize the use of school bus monitoring systems for enforcement. It directly affects drivers who illegally pass stopped school buses (including those transporting children or individuals with developmental disabilities) and school districts/municipalities that install such systems. Key provisions establish that violations captured by these systems result in a $250 civil penalty (instead of criminal penalties), with collected funds directed to municipal and school safety programs. The bill also clarifies that registered vehicle owners are presumed responsible for violations recorded by the systems.

Maddy summaryS 485 creates a certification process for orthopedic assistants in New Jersey, directly affecting individuals seeking to practice in this role. The bill establishes that orthopedic assistants must pass a national certification exam (NBCOPA), complete required training, and obtain committee approval to practice. It defines their scope of practice - including assisting in surgery, applying casts, and documenting patient care - while requiring continuous supervision by an orthopedic physician. The law prohibits using the title "orthopedic assistant" or related initials without valid certification and mandates renewal every two years.

Maddy summaryS 1385, known as "Lisa’s Law," establishes a four-year pilot program in Ocean County (or another county chosen by the Attorney General) requiring electronic monitoring for certain domestic violence offenders who violate restraining orders. The law mandates that courts obtain a victim’s informed consent before ordering monitoring, considering factors like the offender’s history of violence, weapon access, and mental health. It requires monitoring devices to meet federal tracking standards, allows courts to charge offenders a $250 fee (with waivers for hardship), and directs funds to a Domestic Violence Victim Notification Fund. The program applies only to defendants convicted of contempt for violating domestic violence orders under New Jersey’s Prevention of Domestic Violence Act.

Maddy summaryThis bill eliminates a $15 fee for special license plates designated for firefighters and members of first aid or rescue squads in New Jersey. It directly affects compensated, partially compensated, and volunteer members of fire departments or first aid/rescue squads who currently pay this fee in addition to standard vehicle registration costs. The bill amends existing law (P.L.1977, c.369) to remove the $15 charge, meaning applicants will only pay standard vehicle registration fees. The special plates (featuring a Maltese Cross with "F.D." for firefighters or a similar design for first aid/rescue members) remain available under the same eligibility rules.

Maddy summaryS 4040 requires New Jersey state agencies, counties, municipalities, school districts, and other public entities to purchase 5% of their goods and services from the Central Nonprofit Agency (CNA). The CNA distributes products made by rehabilitation facilities that employ people who are blind or have severe disabilities, supporting their employment through guaranteed market access. The bill mandates training for purchasing agents on the CNA program and grants the agency a right of first refusal for goods/services within 15% of fair market value. Public entities must report compliance with these requirements to the State Treasurer and the Legislature annually.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey local units (such as municipalities) to accept electronic payments - via card or electronic funds transfer - for construction code fees. It directly affects contractors who pay these fees and local governments that collect them. The bill mandates that construction contracts under the Local Public Contracts Law must allow electronic payment of fees imposed by the State Uniform Construction Code Act. Local units must establish these payment systems by passing a governing body resolution, specifying which fees can be paid electronically (excluding delinquent payments or lien redemptions).

Maddy summaryThis bill (A4436) requires New Jersey local governments to accept online or card payments for construction code fees. It directly affects contractors paying these fees and local units (towns, cities, counties) that must implement payment systems. Local units must pass a resolution to establish electronic payment systems for fees under the State Uniform Construction Code Act, but cannot use credit cards for overdue payments or lien redemptions. The law takes immediate effect.

Maddy summaryS 3366 eliminates a $15 fee for special license plates designated for firefighters and members of first aid or rescue squads in New Jersey. The bill amends existing law (P.L.1977, c.369) to remove the additional charge, meaning eligible members will no longer pay extra for these plates beyond standard vehicle registration fees. It directly affects compensated, partially compensated, or volunteer firefighters and first aid/rescue squad members who apply for these plates. The change applies immediately upon enactment, requiring no additional cost for the special plate design.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a state program to permanently restrict development on qualifying privately-owned woodlands through easement acquisitions. Landowners with woodlands meeting specific criteria (minimum 20 acres, used for agriculture/forest products, or managed under approved stewardship plans) can participate. The State Agriculture Development Committee will administer the program using existing farmland preservation funds and seek federal programs like the Forest Legacy Program, with easements recorded similarly to property deeds. The goal is to preserve forested lands for agricultural, silvicultural, and conservation purposes.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all New Jersey public school staff (including those in after-school programs) to complete epilepsy and seizure disorder care training every five years. It directly affects school boards, administrators, and all school personnel who interact with students. The key provision mandates that training must be provided through a Department of Health-approved course from a nonprofit epilepsy support organization. This ensures staff can recognize seizures, provide appropriate care, and know when to seek help, as outlined in individualized health plans developed with parent input and physician guidance. The law applies to all schools in the state and takes effect at the start of the first full school year after enactment.