Sen. Owen Henry

Maddy summaryS 4602 allows private vehicle inspection facilities in New Jersey to conduct off-site inspections for individual vehicles or small groups, removing the current requirement of inspecting at least 10 vehicles at once. It specifically permits inspections for diesel-fueled trucks (8,500 pounds or less gross vehicle weight), heavy-duty diesel trucks, and diesel-powered motor vehicles. However, the bill prohibits off-site inspections of school buses and vehicles with an elevated chassis height. The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission can establish rules to oversee these inspections, and the law takes effect immediately.

Maddy summaryS 4004 updates New Jersey's law governing employment programs for people with disabilities by renaming the "Sheltered Workshop Act" to the "Extended Employment Act" and replacing outdated terminology. It expands eligibility to include individuals with "significant" disabilities (not just "severe" ones) and removes requirements like prior workshop completion or proof of inability to compete in the open labor market. The bill shifts oversight from the New Jersey Commission for the Blind to the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services, revises funding to tie annual increases to inflation or 80% of provider expense reports (whichever is greater), and repeals outdated labeling and transportation rules for program products. This directly affects nonprofit extended employment providers, people with disabilities using these programs, and state agencies managing vocational rehabilitation services.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey public colleges and universities to immediately suspend students and employees charged with bias intimidation (defined under N.J.S.2C:16-1) related to protests against religious groups or on religious property grounds. Students face academic suspension until their case concludes (trial, dismissal, or termination), with expulsion if convicted. Employees face unpaid suspension from duties until resolution, with termination if convicted. The law applies automatically to all public higher education institutions in New Jersey, overriding existing rules or regulations.

Maddy summaryS 4547 requires Rutgers University to adopt a new Discrimination and Discriminatory Harassment Policy specifically for students and student groups. The policy mandates clear protest rules (including banning protests in academic buildings and requiring students to show university ID during demonstrations when asked), strict disciplinary actions for violations (such as suspension or expulsion for encampment disruptions), and incorporates a specific definition of antisemitism. Rutgers must also update its student conduct policies, provide annual training on the policy for all students and student groups, and review Middle East studies programs, faculty diversity, and admissions procedures. The bill aims to enhance campus safety and protect academic functions by addressing harassment and protest disruptions.

Maddy summaryThe "Grid Reliability Protection Act" (S 4561) prohibits New Jersey state agencies from mandating or incentivizing the shutdown of existing power plants connected to the state's grid, except under specific conditions. It requires two key conditions before decommissioning: (1) PJM Interconnection’s written certification that the shutdown won’t harm grid reliability or increase energy costs, and (2) a public rate impact analysis by the Board of Public Utilities showing no material cost increase for ratepayers. The bill allows immediate shutdowns only if a plant poses an immediate public health or safety risk due to structural damage or hazardous conditions. It also mandates 12 months’ public notice before any proposed shutdown, ensuring transparency. The law directly affects current power plants, state agencies, and ratepayers by preventing premature closures that could threaten grid stability.

Maddy summaryThis bill reinstates automatic cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) for retirement benefits of State Police Retirement System (SPRS) members who have been retired and receiving benefits for at least 10 years. Eligible retirees with annual pension benefits up to $75,000 will receive annual COLAs tied to the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers, while those with higher benefits will receive a maximum 1% adjustment. The $75,000 threshold will be adjusted annually based on the CPI, with a maximum 3% increase. The bill requires the Legislature to appropriate funds from the General Fund to cover these adjustments, which will take precedence over other budget items, and mandates the State Treasurer to implement COLAs if the SPRS Board fails to do so within six months.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates September of each year as "Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Awareness Month" in New Jersey. It requests the Governor to issue an annual proclamation encouraging state agencies, organizations, and citizens to observe the month with awareness activities. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but formally recognizes the need for public awareness around Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a genetic condition affecting approximately 1 in 3,500 male infants.

Maddy summaryThis bill reinstates automatic annual cost-ofiving adjustments (COLAs) for retirement benefits of certain retired police and firefighters in New Jersey's Police and Firemen's Retirement System (PFRS). It applies to members who have received retirement benefits for at least 10 years, excluding those who retired with 20-24 years of service, are in deferred retirement, or were hired more than 30 days after the bill's effective date. COLAs will be calculated based on the Consumer Price Index, with a $75,000 annual benefit threshold for the first year (adjusted annually thereafter), and capped at a 1% increase for benefits exceeding this amount. The bill requires the Legislature to appropriate funds from the General Fund to cover these adjustments, with the State Treasurer taking over implementation if the Board of Trustees fails to comply within six months. The adjustments apply only to future benefit payments, not retroactively.

Maddy summaryThis bill exempts nonprofit historic educational programs operating steam locomotive railroads from being regulated as amusement parks or rides. It applies to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations or government entities that meet three requirements: (1) personnel must be trained per railroad standards, (2) all maintenance and boiler inspections must follow state regulations, and (3) they cannot charge public admission for train rides. The exemption ensures these educational museum programs - like replica train experiences - avoid unnecessary amusement park regulations while maintaining safety standards. The bill takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all health insurance plans in New Jersey - including hospital service corporations, medical service corporations, individual policies, group plans, and state/school employee health programs - to cover diagnosis and treatment for PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections) and PANS (Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome). It mandates coverage for specific treatments like antibiotics, behavioral therapy, immunomodulating medicines, plasma exchange, and IV immunoglobulin therapy when prescribed by a physician. Coverage must be provided at the same level as for other medical conditions under the plan. The requirement applies to all relevant insurance contracts delivered, issued, or renewed on or after the effective date.