Sen. Linda Greenstein

Maddy summaryThis bill changes the civil service classification for State Investigators working in New Jersey's Division of Criminal Justice, moving them from unclassified to classified service. Currently, these investigators lack full civil service protections, but the bill would grant them standard civil service benefits like job security and due process. The key mechanism is amending a 1977 law to establish "State Investigator" as a classified title, requiring the Civil Service Commission to convert all existing unclassified positions to classified status. This change directly affects current and future State Investigators by ensuring they receive the same employment protections as other classified civil service employees.

Maddy summaryThis bill bans surgical declawing (onychectomy) of cats and other animals unless a licensed veterinarian determines it is medically necessary for the animal's health, such as treating an infection or injury. It directly affects veterinarians who perform procedures, pet owners who seek declawing, and animal care facilities. Veterinarians must document medically necessary cases in writing, file a report with the Department of Health, and provide a copy to the pet owner. Violating the ban is a disorderly persons offense, while failure to document a necessary procedure could lead to disciplinary action against the veterinarian.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to establish statewide privacy standards for electric utilities' handling of customer energy usage data (CEUD) collected through smart meters. It directly affects electric utilities, their customers (who own their CEUD), and third parties seeking access to data with customer consent. Key provisions mandate utilities to provide real-time data access via digital platforms within 24 hours, obtain written informed consent for third-party data sharing, implement cybersecurity protections, and file detailed data access plans with the BPU within 90 days of the law's effective date. The bill also requires utilities to disclose data-sharing practices and ensure CEUD use supports clean energy goals and grid reliability.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs New Jersey's Department of Agriculture to expand the existing Jersey Fresh Program to include marketing and promotion of farmed fish and shellfish (aquaculture products) produced in the state or its waters. It requires the department to create a new quality grading system specific to aquaculture products - distinct from wild-caught seafood - and use it to verify product standards. The bill mandates an annual $25,000 state appropriation from the General Fund to fund this advertising and promotion, separate from other Jersey Fresh Program funding. It directly affects New Jersey aquaculture producers by creating a dedicated marketing channel for their products through the established Jersey Fresh brand.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the State Capitol Joint Management Commission to create and implement an environmental sustainability plan for New Jersey's State House Complex. The plan must include specific measures like energy efficiency upgrades, water conservation, sustainable food service practices using local products, carbon reduction strategies, and performance tracking. The Commission must update the plan every four years, issue annual public progress reports online, and appoint an advisory committee of sustainability experts. This directly affects how the complex manages its operations, energy use, and environmental impact.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 1258) proposes to provide additional state school funding to New Jersey public school districts that experience enrollment increases due to the conversion of age-restricted housing developments (like senior living communities) into non-restricted housing. It amends existing school funding law to include these specific enrollment changes as a factor in calculating state aid, ensuring districts serving new families receive extra support. The bill defines key terms like "enrollment increases" and "school districts" but does not detail the exact funding formula. It affects districts in New Jersey where housing conversions lead to higher student populations. The bill is currently in the early legislative stage, introduced in January 2026 and referred to the Senate Education Committee.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 1218, the "Invasive Species Management Act," bans the sale, distribution, import, export, and propagation of 31 specific invasive plant species (like English ivy, Japanese barberry, and purple loosestrife) starting 13-49 months after enactment. It directly affects nurseries, gardeners, landscapers, and anyone selling or propagating these plants, requiring conditional use waivers for limited exceptions. The bill establishes the New Jersey Invasive Species Council to advise state agencies on management and mandates labeling for exempted cultivars (e.g., certain Japanese barberry varieties) with educational materials. Key provisions include phased implementation of bans and funding for state departments to control invasive species, aiming to protect ecosystems and natural resources from economic and environmental harm.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a $1 million pilot program to reimburse New Jersey municipalities for costs related to updating zoning rules for warehouse development. Municipalities can get reimbursed for reexamining master plans, adopting warehouse-specific zoning ordinances, or conducting studies on potential impacts like traffic or infrastructure strain. To qualify, municipalities must adopt ordinances aligned with state guidance and a model ordinance developed by the Office of Planning Advocacy. The program expires after a final report evaluates its effectiveness and fund usage.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 2266 bans the use of regulated perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in menstrual products sold within the state. The bill defines menstrual products broadly to include tampons, pads, cups, and underwear (both disposable and reusable), and prohibits manufacturers from selling products containing intentionally added PFAS or PFAS above trace levels. It requires the Department of Environmental Protection to establish a testing system using approved labs, with results shared with the Department of Health, and violations would trigger penalties under the Consumer Fraud Act. This policy directly affects manufacturers distributing menstrual products in New Jersey, aiming to eliminate specific chemicals from these products.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires CATV companies (cable providers) seeking new municipal franchises or renewing existing ones to provide free broadband Internet service and necessary equipment (like routers) to public libraries, fire stations, public schools, police stations, and other municipal buildings. Public libraries must receive business-class broadband with bandwidth matching their specific needs. The requirement applies only to CATV companies operating under municipal franchises approved after the bill's effective date. It does not affect existing service agreements or require free broadband for private entities.