Sen. Declan O'Scanlon

Maddy summaryThis bill requires that speed limits on state-managed limited access highways (like major interstates) be set based on the speed at which 85% of vehicles are traveling, rather than arbitrary standards. It mandates a traffic engineering study and speed survey to determine these limits, replacing current default settings. Until a study is completed, fines for speeding violations on these highways would be reduced to $20 per offense (down from standard penalties). The law directly affects drivers and state highway authorities managing eligible limited-access roads, focusing on aligning posted speeds with actual traffic flow patterns.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires companies and research facilities in New Jersey that use cats, dogs, or ferrets for product testing or research to assess these animals for adoption suitability after testing ends. If deemed suitable, they must offer the animals to animal rescue organizations or private individuals for adoption, following specific procedures. Facilities must report details like animal numbers, assessment results, and adoption outcomes to the Department of Health, with penalties of up to $50,000 for noncompliance. The law directly affects testing facilities, research institutions, and animal rescue organizations, aiming to provide a pathway for animals used in testing to find new homes.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases the Council on Local Mandates membership from 9 to 12 members. It requires the Governor to appoint four members (with at least two from a list provided by the second-largest party's state committee chair) and three additional members based on recommendations from the New Jersey State League of Municipalities (including two local officials and one county association member). The bill also mandates the council meet at least quarterly to review the state budget and gubernatorial executive orders, publishing public opinions on these topics. These changes adjust the council's structure and meeting requirements without altering its core function of reviewing local government mandates.

Maddy summaryS 1669 eliminates the requirement that most state public officials and employees must maintain a principal residence in New Jersey. Currently, many public positions (including state government roles, courts, schools, and local government) require residency, but this bill removes that mandate. The bill preserves existing exceptions (such as for temporary faculty, employees working primarily outside New Jersey, and certain other roles) and adds a new exception for critical need positions at New Jersey Transit. As a result, public employees would no longer face residency restrictions for their primary home, except for these limited exempted cases.

Maddy summaryS 1658 increases penalties for intentionally damaging or defacing protected sites, including public monuments, symbols, places of worship, or burial sites. The bill upgrades the offense from a disorderly persons offense (up to 6 months jail, $1,000 fine) to a fourth-degree crime (up to 18 months jail, $10,000 fine, or both). "Desecrate" is defined as defacing, damaging, or polluting these sites. This directly affects individuals who deliberately harm such locations. The bill takes immediate effect upon enactment.

Maddy summaryS 1656, "River's Law," amends New Jersey law to create a new second-degree crime for animal abuse that demonstrates "extreme indifference to the value of an animal's life." This specifically applies when abuse causes death, serious injury, or involves a prior conviction. Key provisions include raising penalties for such severe cases to a second-degree crime (with potential imprisonment up to 6 months or fines up to $1,000), requiring community service with animal welfare organizations, and mandating restitution for veterinary costs or animal replacement. The bill directly affects individuals who commit severe animal cruelty, such as owners or caretakers whose actions result in death or serious harm. It is currently pending in the Senate Economic Growth Committee after being introduced on January 9, 2024.

Maddy summaryThis bill prevents healthcare workers in New Jersey from losing unemployment benefits if they were terminated or quit due to refusing to comply with a vaccine mandate (Executive Order 283 of 2022). It directly affects healthcare workers who left jobs at covered facilities over vaccination requirements. The law ensures these workers remain eligible for unemployment benefits, overriding previous rules that could deny benefits for such job separations. The policy applies retroactively to claims filed after January 19, 2022, and expires one year after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 1670) limits how much a property's assessed value can increase after a successful tax appeal, specifically when a new district-wide reassessment is implemented. It requires that any increase to an appeal judgment (after a property owner wins a tax case) must align with the overall percentage change in the district's total taxable property value. This directly affects property owners who win tax appeals and taxing districts (municipalities), preventing districts from arbitrarily raising individual property assessments beyond the district-wide trend. If districts exceed this limit, they must prove their actions were reasonable and may be required to pay the property owner's legal fees.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey would join the Counseling Compact, allowing licensed professional counselors from other member states to provide services to New Jersey residents without needing a separate New Jersey license. The bill enables counselors to practice across state lines under the rules of the client's location (e.g., a counselor licensed in Pennsylvania could serve a New Jersey client via telehealth), while preserving each state's authority to regulate practice and protect public safety. Key provisions include mutual recognition of licenses, sharing of disciplinary information between states, and support for telehealth services. This directly affects licensed counselors seeking to practice across state lines and clients in New Jersey who gain easier access to out-of-state counseling services.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Police Training Commission to create a mandatory training course on school emergency response, including active shooter scenarios and lockdown drills. It directly affects all local police officers in New Jersey, mandating that new officers complete the training before permanent appointment and existing officers must complete it within 36 months of the law's effective date. The training will be integrated into regular in-service programs provided by each police department.