Maddy summaryBill A5258 allows plenary winery license holders, out-of-state winery license holders, and farm winery license holders to sell wine by the glass for on-premises consumption in their licensed salesrooms. The bill defines "by the glass" as selling individual portions of wine (or wine mixed with nonalcoholic beverages) in open containers. This change expands the sales options available to these wineries, permitting them to serve wine by the glass in their salesrooms without requiring customers to purchase full bottles. The bill modifies existing licensing provisions without changing the fees or other requirements for these winery licenses. The sponsor states this will provide additional purchase options for consumers and increase revenue for winery license holders.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill would establish a legal framework for supervised psilocybin therapy in New Jersey for adults 21+ with behavioral health conditions. It creates licensed psilocybin service centers where trained facilitators provide guided sessions, requiring prior medical referrals and mandatory preparation/integration therapy sessions with mental health providers. The bill defines key terms like "administration session" and "adverse event," and mandates a regulatory system including a Psilocybin Advisory Board to oversee safety, prevent diversion, and ensure accessibility. It specifically targets conditions like depression, anxiety, and treatment-resistant depression, with provisions to develop a statewide strategic plan for long-term service delivery. The bill does not legalize recreational use but focuses on regulated medical access under strict supervision.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Attorney General to create a crowd management training program for municipal police departments in areas that experienced two or more large gatherings (over 500 people) or flash mobs/pop-up parties (50+ people organized via social media without advance notice) within the past year. The training covers techniques for managing crowds, juveniles, social media monitoring, inter-agency coordination, and safety protocols. Participating departments also gain access to social media monitoring tools, mobile command units, and additional State Police support during large events. The program aims to improve public safety response to unannounced large gatherings through standardized training and resources.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires public transportation employees in New Jersey (specifically those working for NJ Transit) to complete a one-time training course on recognizing and responding to suspected human trafficking. The training must include information about known signs and signals used by trafficking victims seeking help or observed in public spaces. Current employees must complete the training within two years of the bill's effective date, while new employees must complete it within six months of starting their position. The New Jersey Transit Corporation will develop the training, establish which staff must complete it, and ensure materials are provided to employees.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires pool and spa service businesses in New Jersey to obtain a permit from the Pool and Spa Service Contractors Advisory Committee before operating. To qualify, a business must employ at least one licensed pool and spa builder/installer or service contractor, pay application fees, and meet additional board requirements. Permitted businesses can then serve as general contractors for all pool and spa construction, installation, and service work, though specialized tasks (like electrical or plumbing) must still be performed by licensed professionals. Subcontractors working under these permitted businesses are not required to obtain separate licenses but must operate under their supervision.
Maddy summaryS 3607 extends accidental death benefits to survivors of State Police Retirement System (SPRS) retirees who died from health conditions linked to World Trade Center rescue, recovery, or cleanup operations, regardless of when the retiree died. It expands eligibility beyond retirees who previously received only accidental disability retirement to include those with ordinary disability, special, or service retirement benefits. The bill removes the requirement for a written sworn statement in applications and allows survivors to submit claims within two years of the retiree's death or two years after the bill's effective date, whichever is later. It also mandates that the State notify eligible survivors by certified mail within 60 days of the bill's effective date.
Maddy summaryThis bill (S 4515) changes certification requirements for career and technical education (CTE) teachers in New Jersey. It prohibits the State Board of Education from requiring CTE teacher candidates to complete educator preparation programs longer than 200 hours or one academic year, replacing the current 350-hour two-year program. It also allows candidates to demonstrate basic English and math skills through alternatives like portfolios, industry certifications, or occupational licenses instead of standardized tests. These changes directly affect individuals seeking CTE teaching certification through the Alternate Route program, aiming to reduce barriers to entry.
Maddy summaryS 4582 requires pool and spa service businesses in New Jersey to obtain a permit from the Pool and Spa Service Contractors Advisory Committee before operating. To qualify, a business must have at least one employee holding a valid pool builder/installer or service contractor license, pay required fees, and renew permits every three years. The permit allows these businesses to serve as general contractors for pool/spa construction and maintenance, but they must ensure specialized work (like electrical or plumbing) is performed by licensed professionals. Subcontractors working under these permitted businesses are not required to hold separate licenses but must operate under their supervision.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey public school districts to include age-appropriate instruction about fentanyl and xylazine dangers in health classes for students in grades 6 through 12. The curriculum must cover prevention, symptoms of poisoning, emergency response, and legal protections for seeking help, using resources from federal agencies like the CDC and DEA. School districts must provide this instruction as part of existing health education standards, with the state education commissioner supplying approved materials and maintaining online resources for staff and parents. Annual reports will evaluate the program's effectiveness in reducing youth drug poisoning. The bill directly affects all New Jersey public schools and their students in grades 6-12.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to study how advanced transmission technologies (ATT) could improve the state's electrical grid. ATT includes tools like software for optimizing power flow or specialized conductors that boost existing infrastructure's capacity without building new lines. The study must evaluate ATT's potential to reduce grid congestion, lower costs for utilities, and speed up project timelines compared to traditional transmission upgrades. The BPU must submit findings within one year, including public input, to help determine if ATT should be adopted to support growing energy demand from data centers, manufacturing, and population growth.