Sen. Linda Greenstein

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 1230 requires owners of specific buildings - including hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, correctional facilities, public housing, and certain residential buildings - to test drinking water at taps for Legionella bacteria at least once yearly. Testing must follow Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)-approved methods and be conducted by DEP-accredited labs, with results submitted to the DEP. If Legionella levels exceed DEP-established standards, owners must immediately notify occupants and remediate contamination within 30 days, completing work within six months. Violations would be enforced under the Safe Drinking Water Act, potentially resulting in civil penalties.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 1643) allows New Jersey municipalities and school boards to adopt ranked-choice voting for local elections through voter referendum or local ordinance. It permits communities to choose ranked-choice voting for mayoral, council, or school board races - using instant runoff for single seats (like mayor) or single transferable vote for multiple seats (like council). Voters would need to approve the change via referendum, requiring signatures from at least 10% of voters who participated in the last General Assembly election. The bill defines key terms like "exhausted ballot" and voting thresholds but does not mandate ranked-choice voting statewide. It is currently pending in the Senate (introduced January 2026).

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 1221, the "Protecting Against Forever Chemicals Act," bans intentionally added PFAS (perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, nicknamed "forever chemicals") in certain consumer products. Beginning two years after the law takes effect, it prohibits selling cosmetics containing PFAS (except for unavoidable trace impurities) and requires cookware manufacturers to inform consumers if PFAS is present. The law directly affects cosmetic brands, cookware producers, and retailers selling these items within the state. It also mandates state-funded research and educational programs about PFAS exposure risks. The bill aims to reduce human exposure to these chemicals, which accumulate in the environment and have been linked to health issues like cancer and developmental problems.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey's municipal accounting rules to set a 15-year depreciation period for the purchase, planting, or removal of trees and shrubbery by municipalities. It adds this specific provision to the existing schedule for capital asset accounting (N.J.S.40A:2-22, subsection j(2)). The change affects how municipalities account for tree-related expenses in their financial records - spreading the cost over 15 years instead of expensing it immediately. This is a procedural accounting adjustment, not a new funding requirement or policy change.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 190) establishes safety requirements for railroads transporting hazardous materials in New Jersey. It directly affects railroad companies operating "dangerous hazardous trains" - defined as trains carrying large volumes of petroleum (200,000+ gallons) or hazardous substances (20,000+ gallons), including specific chemicals like anhydrous ammonia or flammable liquids. Key provisions require a minimum of two crew members on these trains (with limited exceptions for maintenance or tourist operations), and prohibit trains exceeding 8,500 feet in length on main or branch rail lines. The bill was introduced in 2026 but withdrawn after being enacted as part of P.L.2025, c.300, meaning these safety rules are now law.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 1447 establishes a state heat stress safety standard and prevention program for workers. It requires employers across all industries (including agriculture, construction, and indoor settings without climate control) to implement written heat safety plans by June 1, 2025. Key provisions include providing potable water under 59°F, mandatory rest breaks in shaded/cool areas, heat exposure monitoring, emergency response protocols, and heat alert systems for forecasted heatwaves. The law mandates employer-developed plans to prevent heat-related illness, requiring worker input and language accessibility for non-English speakers.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to create a comprehensive State Water Infrastructure Investment Plan every five years, detailing funding needs and strategies for drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater systems. It mandates the DEP to consult with stakeholders, include public input through comment periods and meetings, and address priorities like environmental justice and climate resilience. The New Jersey Infrastructure Bank must publish additional project information and receives $200,000 to support these requirements. The plan directly affects all municipalities and water utilities across New Jersey by establishing a statewide strategy for infrastructure investment and funding coordination.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to assess the combined stormwater impact of warehouse and high-density development projects when reviewing permit applications. It mandates the DEP to evaluate how these projects affect not just the applicant municipality, but also neighboring towns and the broader watershed. The DEP must ensure stormwater management minimizes runoff to adjacent properties, protects stream health, recharges groundwater, and prevents increased pollution in the watershed. This policy directly affects developers seeking permits for warehouses or dense projects and ensures regional environmental considerations are part of the review process.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all new State government buildings over 15,000 square feet to include on-site power systems (like solar panels or battery storage) that provide electricity during power outages. It also mandates that State entities consider adding these systems when renovating, repairing, or improving existing large State buildings (15,000+ sq ft), if feasible. "Distributed energy resources" exclude diesel generators and must be located near where power is used. The Director of Property Management enforces these requirements, which apply to all State buildings not already under active renovation plans.

Maddy summaryS 1120 establishes a 25-member "Commission on People with Disabilities" within New Jersey's Department of Human Services. The commission, with 13 voting members appointed by the Governor, Senate President, and Assembly Speaker (requiring at least 3 disability community members total), and 12 non-voting ex-officio members from state agencies, will advise on policies, coordinate services, and prevent employment discrimination for people with disabilities. Its key duties include suggesting legislation, serving as a government-contact point for disability communities, and ensuring state agencies meet disability needs. The commission must submit annual reports to the Governor and Legislature on its findings and recommendations.