Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 1699 requires manufacturers and retailers of hemp-derived cannabinoid products (like Delta-8-THC edibles, cosmetics, and inhalables) to register with the Cannabis Regulatory Commission, undergo mandatory safety testing, and provide clear labeling about content. The bill targets products containing hemp-derived cannabinoids with more than 0.1% concentration, aiming to address safety concerns as independent tests found some products contain unsafe THC levels or unknown compounds. Key provisions include mandatory registration, product testing for contaminants, and standardized labeling to ensure transparency for consumers. This regulation applies directly to businesses selling these products in New Jersey, moving them under the state's existing cannabis regulatory framework.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summarySCR 40 proposes a constitutional amendment to increase New Jersey's veterans' property tax deduction from $250 to $500 over five years, with annual increments starting in 2023 ($300 in 2023, $350 in 2024, $400 in 2025, $450 in 2026, and $500 from 2027 onward). It directly affects honorably discharged veterans, their surviving spouses (if meeting residency requirements), and veterans living in continuing care retirement communities. Key provisions include phasing in the higher deduction amount, ensuring the deduction cancels taxes if below the deduction value, and requiring retirement communities to pass the credit to eligible residents within 30 days. This amendment requires voter approval at the next general election after legislative passage.
Maddy summaryThis bill (S 2014) temporarily prohibits New Jersey state agencies from requiring electric heating or water heating systems as the sole or primary option for buildings (including homes and businesses) until the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) completes a required report. The DCA must hold six public hearings across the state within 18 months to gather input on costs, impacts on ratepayers, environmental effects, and workforce considerations. The report, due within 24 months, will evaluate factors like retrofitting expenses, greenhouse gas reduction potential, and effects on low-income households before the prohibition lifts. The bill does not block voluntary incentives for electric systems or private choices to use them.
Maddy summaryS 1706 would extend the registration period for new passenger automobiles (excluding those purchased by rental companies for rental use) from one year to up to four years (48 months). For leased passenger vehicles, registration would align with the lease term but not exceed 48 months. The bill also grants the Motor Vehicle Commission authority to set registration periods between three months and 26 months and to grant 12-month extensions without additional fees in specific circumstances. This change would reduce how often owners of new passenger cars must renew their registrations.
Maddy summaryThis bill increases the annual amount credited to New Jersey's Shore Protection Fund from $25 million to $50 million. The funding comes from the State portion of realty transfer fees collected when property deeds are recorded - specifically, the $1.25 per $500 of property value paid to the State. The change directly affects the Shore Protection Fund, which uses these funds for coastal protection projects. The bill amends existing law to adjust the credit amount without altering the fee structure or creating new taxes.
Maddy summarySCR 24 proposes a constitutional amendment to increase New Jersey's annual property tax deduction for veterans from $250 to $1,250, effective 2024. It directly affects honorably discharged veterans and their surviving spouses who reside in New Jersey. The key mechanism adjusts the deduction amount annually (cancelling taxes if below $1,250) and extends eligibility to surviving spouses after a veteran's death. This amendment requires voter approval at the next general election to take effect.
Maddy summaryThis bill upgrades burglary of an occupied residence to a second-degree crime in New Jersey, changing it from the current third-degree classification. It directly affects individuals convicted of entering or remaining in a dwelling (like a home) where someone was present during the offense. The key provision requires offenders to serve 85% of their prison sentence before becoming parole-eligible, as mandated by the "No Early Release Act" (NERA). This applies specifically when a person was present in the residence at the time of the burglary, increasing penalties compared to burglary of unoccupied dwellings or other burglary scenarios.
Maddy summaryThis bill increases penalties for fentanyl trafficking in New Jersey. Possessing or distributing 5 ounces or more of fentanyl without authorization is now classified as a first-degree crime, requiring a mandatory minimum prison sentence (one-third to one-half of the total term) during which parole is ineligible, plus fines up to $500,000. It directly affects individuals involved in manufacturing, distributing, or dispensing fentanyl illegally. The bill amends New Jersey's drug law (N.J.S.2C:35-5) to specifically raise penalties for fentanyl offenses, distinguishing it from other controlled substances.
Maddy summaryThis bill directs New Jersey's Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to create a program requiring gas utilities to gradually increase renewable natural gas (RNG) in their supply, starting at 5% by 2024 and reaching 30% by 2050. It allows utilities to recover costs for RNG infrastructure investments and procurement through customer rates, with safeguards like a 5% annual cost cap on total utility revenue. The program affects all gas public utilities in New Jersey and their ratepayers, who will see incremental cost recovery reflected in bills. Key provisions include standardized RNG definitions, phased target percentages, and a ratemaking mechanism ensuring cost recovery for approved investments.
Maddy summaryS 1666 removes criminal liability for New Jersey law enforcement officers who interact with underage individuals (under 21) regarding alcohol or cannabis possession, unless the officer intentionally discriminates based on race, gender, religion, or other protected characteristics. The bill amends existing law to require that officers only face criminal charges for civil rights violations if they acted with discriminatory intent - previously, criminal liability could apply without proving such intent. This specifically affects officers during investigative encounters (like stops or searches) related to underage possession, while preserving protections against discriminatory enforcement. The change clarifies that routine enforcement actions without discriminatory motive won't trigger criminal penalties.